verb
sneer
sneer
verb
1
To curl the lip slightly in contempt or scorn.
"He sneered at the suggestion, as if it were beneath him."
"She sneered when she saw his cheap watch."
noun
1
A facial expression or remark showing contempt.
"There was a sneer on his face as he read the letter."
How to Use Sneer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShowing scorn or disrespect through your expression or tone.
Common pairings
sneer at
a mocking sneer
sneer with contempt
Word Forms
sneered past tense, sneers plural, sneers singular
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Etymology
From Middle English sneren, ultimately traced back to an Old English word meaning "to snort."