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Showing results for "leering"
  • present participle of leer.
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Synonyms

leering

American  
[leer-ing] / ˈlɪər ɪŋ /

adjective

  1. indicating lewd, sly, or malicious intent.

    He regarded her with a leering grin as she walked slowly up the path.

  2. having a lewd, sly, or malicious look.

    The massive door, with a leering gargoyle for a knocker, lent the scene an air of unreality.


Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of leering

leer 1 ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. )


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.

See Examples For:

Such discussions helped establish the difference between witnessing as a matter of civic responsibility and leering voyeurism.

From Salon ● Aug. 6, 2026

At the gym, located in Garden Grove, Hansen says they were met with unwelcoming and leering stares before entering the facility.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 5, 2026

He added it was a "privilege and honour" to be now playing the leering, flamboyant Emcee in "this incredible show".

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2023

“The Idol” is gross and leering in the way the set reports suggested, but it’s also inept in a way that Sam Levinson’s “Euphoria” would not suggest.

From New York Times ● Jun. 30, 2023

There was, in that handshake, a claiming, a leering, and for this she had always harbored a small dislike, but she had never told Blaine because she was also sorry about her dislike.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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