English Dictionary
Definition of “sneer”
sneer (snɪə
)
Definitions
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
Alternative Forms
ˈsneerer noun ˈsneerful adjective ˈsneering adjective noun ˈsneeringly adverb Word Origin
C16: perhaps from Low Dutch; compare North Frisian sneere contempt
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
scorn,
mock,
ridicule,
laugh,
jeer,
disdain,
scoff,
deride,
look down on,
snigger,
sniff at,
gibe,
hold in contempt hold up to ridicule turn up your nose=
contemptuous smile
snigger,
curl of the lip
Quotations
"Who can refute a sneer?"
Revd. William Paley"Damn with faint praise, assent with civil leer,And, without sneering, teach the rest to sneer"
Alexander Pope
Usage examples
With a sneer , the man lashed out, sinking the knife deep into the doctor's chest.
Adams, N, I.O.U. - Someone Has to Pay (1993)It is easy to sneer at the plight of India's oldest political party.
India Today (1998)Hegedus and Noujaim don't look down at their subjects, nor do they sneer at the pursuit of money like certain other documentarians.
canada.com (2004)She had, he said, continually sat there with a sneer or a grin on her face.
Glasgow Herald (2001)Thomas seemed to sneer at that answer, then he looked curiously at his cousin.
Bernard Cornwell, The Grail Quest (3) HERETIC (2004)
