snub

1 of 3

verb

ˈsnəb 

snubbed; snubbing

transitive verb

1

: to check or stop with a cutting retort : rebuke

2

a

: to check (something, such as a line or chain that is running out) suddenly especially by turning around a fixed object (such as a post or a cleat)

also : to check the motion of by snubbing a line

snub the anchor

b

: to restrain the action of : suppress

snub a vibration

3

: to treat with contempt or neglect

snub an old acquaintance

4

: to extinguish by stubbing

snub out a cigarette

snub

2 of 3

noun

: an act or an instance of snubbing

especially : slight

snub

3 of 3

adjective

1

or snubbed

ˈsnəbd 

: blunt, stubby

a snub nose

2

: used in snubbing

snub line

snubness noun

Synonyms

Verb

• cold-shoulder
• cut
• high-hat
• slight
• stiff
• stiff-arm

Noun

• brush-off
• cold shoulder
• rebuff
• repulse
• silent treatment

Examples of snub in a Sentence

Verb

She snubbed me in the hallway.

He snubbed their job offer.

They deliberately snubbed the meeting.

Noun

he tolerated the snubs from his in-laws because the holidays come but once a year, thankfully

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

That tournament will also feature the world's top Russian and Czech players, who were snubbed from the 4 Nations Face-Off. —Kyle Stokes, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025

But with the cultural tide turning in Trump's favor, the Eagles seem less likely to snub the president this time around. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Noun

Soule is a former high school track and field athlete and four-time National Qualifier who was forced out of a regional championship due to two trans athletes taking women’s spots and who lost out on the chance to earn attention from college scouts and potential scholarships because of those snubs. —Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025

On a trip to Germany earlier this month, Vance met with Weidel but did not meet with Scholz, the sitting chancellor of Germany, a clear snub. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English snibben, snubben, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse snubba to scold, Swedish dialect snubba to reproach, cut off

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing snub

• snub-nosed

Rhymes for snub

• bub
• club
• cub
• dub
• grub
• hub
• nub
• pub
• rub
• scrub
• shrub
• stub

Kids Definition

snub

1 of 3 verb

ˈsnəb 

snubbed; snubbing

1

: to check or stop with a reply that hurts : rebuke

2

a

: to check (as a line) suddenly while running out especially by turning around a fixed object (as a post)

b

: to check the motion of by snubbing a line

3

: to deliberately ignore or treat rudely

4

: to put out by crushing

snubber noun

snub

2 of 3 noun

: an act or an instance of snubbing

especially : rebuff entry 2

snub

3 of 3 adjective

variants or snubbed

ˈsnəbd 

: stubby, blunt