mean
verb (used with object)
to have in mind as one's purpose or intention.
meaner
-
comparativeof mean.comparative
The form of an adjective or adverb indicating a greater degree of a quality.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Financial Times's Danny Leigh dished out three stars, saying it paints a "portrait of tech rendering the young both sadder and meaner".
From BBC ● Jun. 17, 2026
In turn, increased efficiency allows them to be meaner toward prospective employees.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 7, 2026
Photos from the summer show a much meaner and leaner Doncic than the one that ended last season.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2025
“Some people are more culpable than others. They get more jokes made about them, and the jokes are meaner because they're doing things that are worse,” Bee says.
From Salon ● Apr. 2, 2025
Some of the meaner mice told him their mothers said Ralph was spoiled and selfish and would probably turn out to be no good when he grew up.
From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary
