sneer
verb (used without object)
to smile, laugh, or contort the face in a manner that shows scorn or contempt.
sneered
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past participleof sneer.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof sneer.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
sneerverb (used without object)to smile, laugh, or contort the face in a manner that shows scorn or contempt.
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.
When I said I had moved up from Fort Lauderdale, my host sneered: “Florida is a swamp.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026
These sequences didn’t say, Hey, good to see you! — they sneered, Do you even go here?
From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2026
Rowling sneered at Oates’ concern, while Musk referred to the author as “a bit of an extinctionist.”
From Slate ● Nov. 13, 2025
He sold Amway nylons to FBI secretaries while other agents sneered.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2025
The elite of Durham sneered openly at them whereas middle-class whites tried to put as much distance as possible between themselves and their poorer cousins.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
