sneer
verb (used without object)
to smile, laugh, or contort the face in a manner that shows scorn or contempt.
sneering
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.
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 ● Dec. 5, 2025
The disgust in Osbourne’s sneering vocal is still palpable.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2025
When he was called out for it, Musk sent another tweet sneering, "Toxoplasma gondii is a danger to our democracy," a reference to the debunked myth that cat owners have a mentally destabilizing parasite.
From Salon ● Sep. 13, 2024
Ms McDermott says he yelled at her and made "sneering" comments about her earnings.
From BBC ● Apr. 25, 2024
Others still called them Mujahideen, but, when they did, they made a face—a sneering, distasteful face—the word reeking of deep aversion and deep scorn.
From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini
