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sneer

[ sneer ]
/ snɪər /
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See synonyms for: sneer / sneered / sneering / sneerer on Thesaurus.com

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

First recorded in 1545–55; originally, “to snort”; compare Frisian (northern dialect) sneere “scornful remark,” snarl1

synonym study for sneer

2. See scoff1.

OTHER WORDS FROM sneer

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use sneer in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for sneer

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, adverb

Word Origin for sneer

C16: perhaps from Low Dutch; compare North Frisian sneere contempt
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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