dismissive
Americanadjective
-
indicating dismissal or rejection; having the purpose or effect of dismissing, as from one's presence or from consideration.
a curt, dismissive gesture.
-
indicating lack of interest or approbation; scornful; disdainful.
Other Word Forms
- dismissively adverb
Etymology
Origin of dismissive
Explanation
To be dismissive is to be indifferent and a little rude. Being dismissive is a sign of disrespect. If you're dismissive, you show little consideration for others. If a teacher laughs at a student's earnest answer to a question, that's dismissive. An employer throwing a resume in the trash without reading it? Dismissive. People are dismissive to others they think are beneath them. You can also be dismissive to ideas and suggestions. It's like waving someone or something away and saying, "whatever."
Vocabulary lists containing dismissive
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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.
One of the leading dismissive comments is that this wasn’t even a moon landing, and only returning with dusty boots would be significant.
From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026
He cited the absence of cash flow and lack of long-term history as an asset class as his reasons to be dismissive.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
In fact, offering a silver lining can feel dismissive, as though you’re minimizing their pain or frustration.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026
On second thought, maybe the unruffled, dismissive response is the way to go.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026
Kaede’s cheeks burned at the dismissive tone in her father’s voice.
From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo
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.
