sneer

[ sneer ]

verb (used without object)

1. to smile, laugh, or contort the face in a manner that shows scorn or contempt:

   They sneered at his pretensions.

2. to speak or write in a manner expressive of derision or scorn.

   Synonyms: gibe

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or say in a sneering manner.

noun

1. a look or expression of derision, scorn, or contempt.
2. a derisive or scornful utterance, especially one more or less covert or insinuative.

   Synonyms: jeer, gibe, scoff

3. an act of sneering.

sneer

/ snɪə /

noun

1. a facial expression of scorn or contempt, typically with the upper lip curled
2. a scornful or contemptuous remark or utterance

verb

1. intr to assume a facial expression of scorn or contempt
2. to say or utter (something) in a scornful or contemptuous manner

Derived Forms

• ˈsneeringly, adverb
• ˈsneering, adjectivenoun
• ˈsneerful, adjective
• ˈsneerer, noun

Other Words From

• sneerer noun
• sneerful adjective
• sneering·ly adverb
• sneerless adjective
• sub·sneer noun
• un·sneering adjective
• un·sneering·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sneer¹

First recorded in 1545–55; originally, “to snort”; compare Frisian (northern dialect) sneere “scornful remark,” snarl ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of sneer¹

C16: perhaps from Low Dutch; compare North Frisian sneere contempt

Synonym Study

See scoff ¹.

Example Sentences

Despite the advanced age of the candidate, the Trump campaign was characterized by petulance and immaturity, adopting the countenance of a spoiled rich kid sneering at his mom for telling him to do his homework.

From Salon

He especially sneered at women over 50 who care, saying, "I don't think that's an issue for you."

From Salon

Julian Casablancas sneered his way into instant rock stardom nearly a quarter of a century ago as the glamorously disheveled frontman of the Strokes.

From Los Angeles Times

“You think that poor is cool,” sneers Jarvis Cocker in the tune.

From Los Angeles Times

That much was evident when Vance sneered that climate change is "weird science."

From Salon

Related Words

• belittle
• deride
• grin
• jeer
• scoff
• taunt