SNEER Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'sneer' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of sneer are fleer , flout , gibe , jeer , and scoff . While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice. // sneered at anything romantic

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fleer' instead of 'sneer'?

The meanings of fleer and sneer largely overlap; however, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively. // the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

Q: When might 'flout' be a better fit than 'sneer'?

While the synonyms flout and sneer are close in meaning, flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed. // flouted the conventions of polite society

Q: Where would 'gibe' be a reasonable alternative to 'sneer'?

The words gibe and sneer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision. // hooted and gibed at the umpire

Q: When could 'jeer' be used to replace 'sneer'?

The words jeer and sneer can be used in similar contexts, but jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision. // the crowd jeered at the prisoners

Q: In what contexts can 'scoff' take the place of 'sneer'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sneer , scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision. // scoffed at their concerns

sneer 1 of 2

verb

ˈsnir

Definition of sneer next

as in to laugh

to express scornful amusement by means of facial contortions they brushed off his sneer and went about their business

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sneer

2 of 2

noun

as in smirk

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word sneer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of sneer are fleer, flout, gibe, jeer, and scoff. While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

When is it sensible to use fleer instead of sneer?

The meanings of fleer and sneer largely overlap; however, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

When might flout be a better fit than sneer?

While the synonyms flout and sneer are close in meaning, flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

Where would gibe be a reasonable alternative to sneer?

The words gibe and sneer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

When could jeer be used to replace sneer?

The words jeer and sneer can be used in similar contexts, but jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

In what contexts can scoff take the place of sneer?

While in some cases nearly identical to sneer, scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of sneer

Verb

The character most consistently sneered at is probably Diamantopoulos’s Mike, who keeps slipping and falling in the snow and complaining about the cold. —

Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024 That theme produces an everlasting parable for all ages about how being bullied and sneered at takes an incredible toll, and can summon a tsunami-like power and fury. —

Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024

Noun

Whatever happened to common courtesies in lieu of belittlements, sneers or vilification? —

Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2024 The Wilfried Zaha mural at Selhurst Park (The Athletic) What has never changed are the gripes and sneers that have attached themselves to this part of SE25, in the London borough of Croydon, for longer than Palace fans would probably wish to remember. —

Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 28 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sneer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sneer

Verb

Brown had a wonderful sense of self-deprecating humor and laughed about his gaffe for years.

— George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
The parties, my best friends and I threw every now and then, whenever the school stressed us out, to let off some steam and feel less stressed by criticizing the school system together laughing until our sides ached, those were the nights that built the bonds that truly mattered.

— Amal Murtaja, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025