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

Other Word Forms

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

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

Many sneered at the comments from the Brighton owner, but with each passing week that bold assessment is looking more realistic with Rangers in turmoil and Celtic yet to hit top gear.

Read more on BBC

In another, he sneered at a woman that God is “the father” and she has no right to call God “mother.”

Read more on Salon

Lily sneers that Facebook is “a database of old people.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The opulence of the White House, the informality of the food, the forced cheer of the players standing around Styrofoam boxes — it was spectacle with a barely disguised sneer.

Read more on Salon

Liam's sneering vocals and Noel's distorted guitars brought a rock and roll swagger back to the charts, revitalising British guitar music after an influx of self-serious Seattle grunge.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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