sneer
sneer
Sneer (verb) means to curl the lip slightly in contempt or scorn. Example: “He sneered at the suggestion, as if it were beneath him.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- sneers
- Third person singular
- sneers
- Past tense
- sneered
Fill the gap
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He _____ at the suggestion, as if it were beneath him.
Etymology
From Middle English sneren, ultimately traced back to an Old English word meaning "to snort."
Related words
Rhymes for sneer
See all rhymes for sneer →Frequently asked questions
What does “sneer” mean?
The word “sneer” means to curl the lip slightly in contempt or scorn. In plain terms, showing scorn or disrespect through your expression or tone.
How do you pronounce “sneer”?
“Sneer” is pronounced sneer (/snɪɚ̯/ in IPA).
How do you use “sneer” in a sentence?
Here is “sneer” used in a sentence: “He sneered at the suggestion, as if it were beneath him.”
What is another word for “sneer”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sneer” include gird, jeer, jibe, laugh at, scoff and scorn.
What is the opposite of “sneer”?
The opposite of “sneer” — its antonyms — are cheer and laugh with.
What part of speech is “sneer”?
Depending on how it is used, “sneer” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “sneer” come from?
The word “sneer” comes from Old English. From Middle English sneren, ultimately traced back to an Old English word meaning "to snort.".
How many meanings does “sneer” have?
“Sneer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to curl the lip slightly in contempt or scorn.
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