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View synonyms for sneer

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

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Derived Forms

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

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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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of sneer1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of sneer1

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

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Synonym Study

See scoff 1.

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Example Sentences

The latest attempt to rattle the foundations of cosmology appeared as a smattering of dots pulled upward into a cosmic sneer.

A medical tech walked by the hospital room, his beady blue eyes landing on my chestnut-skinned brother with a sneer.

From Time

He observes the bodies floating away on the river, pulling on his cigarette with a sneer.

And Hitler looking like such a lout, a drunken lout, with that sort of ignorant sneer.

The typical sneer was that Obama had never even run a candy store.

The Internet might sneer at Monarch, but all press is good press, after all.

The serious magazines felt similarly behooved to weigh in, also largely to sneer.

"Reassure yourself," answered Marius, with a sneer, a greyness that was of jealous rage overspreading his face.

Amateurs will perhaps sneer at these cynical maxims, but each can learn from them what he wishes.

"Doubtless you are very well off, Mr. Jock," Pauline continued, and this time the sneer in her voice was hardly veiled.

Westmacott moved a step or two forward, a swagger unmistakable in his gait, his nether-lip thrust out in a sneer.

He did not look at Cash, but he felt morbidly that Cash was regarding him with that hateful sneer hidden under his beard.

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