sneer

[sneer] / snɪər /

VERB

mock, condemn

Synonyms

STRONGEST

belittle deride grin jeer scoff taunt

STRONG

affront burlesque caricature crack decry detract disdain disparage dump fleer flout gibe gird insult jest lampoon leer rally ridicule satirize scorn slam slight smile snigger swipe travesty twit underrate

WEAK

curl one's lip at give Bronx cheer hold in contempt hold up to ridicule laugh at look down on put down quip at rank out sneeze at sniff at turn up one's nose

Antonyms

STRONGEST

compliment praise

STRONG

admire applaud approve commend flatter laud respect

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.

The mouth renders the verdict: a barely perceptible sneer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 24, 2026

I half expected a Snidely Whiplash twirl of the mustache or a Bertram Oleander sidewise glance and sneer.

From Salon • Jan. 16, 2026

"If many critics sneer and say we can't achieve food self-sufficiency, today we prove that we are food self-sufficient," Prabowo said.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

How many generals and admirals in the audience were appalled that this talk show host and former major in the National Guard had the temerity to sneer at experienced combat commanders?

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2025

“No,” said Snape, though his slight sneer said otherwise.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Vocabulary lists containing sneer

The Lingo of Body Language

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Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I A Woman?" (1863)

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List 11

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