sneer
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to smile, laugh, or contort the face in a manner that shows scorn or contempt.
They sneered at his pretensions.
-
to speak or write in a manner expressive of derision or scorn.
- Synonyms:
- gibe
verb (used with object)
noun
-
a facial expression of scorn or contempt, typically with the upper lip curled
-
a scornful or contemptuous remark or utterance
verb
-
(intr) to assume a facial expression of scorn or contempt
-
to say or utter (something) in a scornful or contemptuous manner
Synonym Usage
See scoff 1.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sneer
First recorded in 1545–55; originally, “to snort”; compare Frisian (northern dialect) sneere “scornful remark,” snarl 1
Explanation
If your smile is contorted with contempt or your upper lip curled with distaste and disdain, you're probably sneering. And you should stop, because it isn't nice. Many things can elicit a sneer: a terrible red carpet outfit, a disgusting plate of food, a stupid joke told for the third time. But sneers aren't just meant to show disgust. They're mean-spirited, mocking and often downright snooty. So now that you know the definition of sneer inside and out, resist the temptation to sneer at those who don't!
Vocabulary lists containing sneer
The Lingo of Body Language
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Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I A Woman?" (1863)
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List 11
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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 1779 satire features a vapid critic named Dangle and his pal Sneer watching a rehearsal of a new extravaganza from critic-playwright Mr. Puff.
From Washington Post • Dec. 30, 2015
Dangle and Sneer are the names of the critics in Sheridan's late 18th-century comedy, The Critic, while in Tom Stoppard's The Real Inspector Hound, Moon and Birdboot prove themselves a mass of insecurities and jealousies.
From The Guardian • Jan. 23, 2013
Sheridan's satire on the theatrical world features Mr Dangle and Mr Sneer, two carping critics who accompany Mr Puff to the rehearsals of his historical tragedy The Spanish Armada.
From The Guardian • May 25, 2012
Sneer the intelligensia, George Jean Nathanwise: "If Mr. Jordan were a baker, would he varnish his own pretzels?"
From Time Magazine Archive
Sneer not, ye callous hearted insensibles, ye fastidious prudes, if we inform you that their tears fell in one intermingling shower, that their sighs wafted in one blended breeze.
From Alonzo and Melissa The Unfeeling Father by Mitchell, I. (Isaac)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
