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

"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

How many generals and admirals in the audience were appalled that this talk show host and former major in the National Guard had the temerity to sneer at experienced combat commanders?

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2025

He’s looking at me as he says it, and his face is more sneer than smile.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon

Related Words

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