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

"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

The young lord’s lawyer, a friend of Claudia, is convinced his defendant is innocent, though he fears “a jury will give him life for his tattoos and his sneer.”

From The Wall Street Journal

It bragged about the academic prestige of its schools and reminded its athletes that they were students first, sneering at all those other schools that had the audacity to win at all costs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even as the boys helped her to her feet, she sneered.

From Literature

“And why would I want to do that?” he said with a sneer.

From Literature

Related Words

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