sneer

American  

[sneer] / snɪər /

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

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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 British  

/ snɪə /

noun

1. a facial expression of scorn or contempt, typically with the upper lip curled

2. a scornful or contemptuous remark or utterance

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verb

1. (intr) to assume a facial expression of scorn or contempt

2. to say or utter (something) in a scornful or contemptuous manner

Related Words

See scoff ¹.

Other Word Forms

• sneerer noun
• sneerful adjective
• sneering adjective
• sneeringly adverb
• sneerless adjective
• subsneer noun
• unsneering adjective
• unsneeringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of sneer

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

Example Sentences

The mouth renders the verdict: a barely perceptible sneer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 24, 2026

"I think most of our characters were quite warm and quite engaging and we didn't sneer at them or mock them," says Paul.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

"If many critics sneer and say we can't achieve food self-sufficiency, today we prove that we are food self-sufficient," Prabowo said.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

The resemblance was too strong to be a coincidence: The ever-present sneer.

From Salon • Oct. 13, 2025

When she finally spotted it, Jeff was already headed in her direction with a sneer across his face.

From "George" by Alex Gino

Related Words

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