sneer
[ sneer ]
/ snɪər /
verb (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.
verb (used with object)
to utter or say in a sneering manner.
noun
a look or expression of derision, scorn, or contempt.
a derisive or scornful utterance, especially one more or less covert or insinuative.
an act of sneering.
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Origin of sneer
1545–55; orig., to snort; compare Frisian (N dial.) sneere scornful remark, snarl1
OTHER WORDS FROM sneer
Words nearby sneer
sneakers, sneaking, sneaky, sneaky pete, sneck, sneer, sneery, sneesh, sneeze, sneeze at, sneezeguard
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for sneering
British Dictionary definitions for sneering
sneer
/ (snɪə) /
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
Derived forms of sneer
sneerer, nounsneerful, adjectivesneering, adjective, nounsneeringly, adverbWord Origin for sneer
C16: perhaps from Low Dutch; compare North Frisian sneere contempt
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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