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

Franks says she will never regret her time at Cambridge, despite the sneers and the cheeseboard faux pas.

From BBC

He turned into a sneering moral philosopher, all the while keeping his feet up.”

From The Wall Street Journal

He cued off more sneers, with me, this time, as the butt of ridicule.

From Literature

The ones who sneered, who mocked, who wondered if he was even clean.

From Literature

The mouth renders the verdict: a barely perceptible sneer.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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