sneer
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to smile, laugh, or contort the face in a manner that shows scorn or contempt.
They sneered at his pretensions.
-
to speak or write in a manner expressive of derision or scorn.
- Synonyms:
- gibe
verb (used with object)
noun
-
a facial expression of scorn or contempt, typically with the upper lip curled
-
a scornful or contemptuous remark or utterance
verb
-
(intr) to assume a facial expression of scorn or contempt
-
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
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
Ruffin counters before delivering the death blow with a wink and faintly disdainful sneer: “That’s journalism.”
From Salon • Apr. 2, 2025
“What’s funny, Beaumont?” she asked with a sneer, as if he’d been laughing at her.
From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia
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.
