sneer 1 of 2

sneer

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noun

Synonym Chooser

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 next casualties will be the establishment who now sneer at Trump and Vance. Dominic Green, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Feb. 2025 In character as a free spirit who scorns social convention, Davis is all haughty tosses of the head and sneering lines. Ew Staff, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
Sandoval, in comparison, sneers and simpers to no success whatsoever; his bad behavior, on and off The Traitors, yields nothing. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025 The playful sneers of the Scherzo gave way to a snarling, gnashing Intermezzo, the orchestra and especially the low brass giving it their sardonic all. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sneer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sneer
Verb
  • Bean could be heard laughing at him from inside the classroom, the affidavits state.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Notable guests like philanthropist Laura Wasserman and former Oprah producer Charles Cook laughed — and cried — as talent agent Charles Silver shared fond memories of Rivers' late parents Joan Rivers and Edgar Rosenberg.
    Gillian Telling, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But for just as long, any such talk has been met with smirks and sneers from outside Connecticut.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2025
  • But Jordana didn’t seem to think much of it other than a smirk.
    Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The reverend smiles, proud of Littlejohn for keeping his cool.
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The closing shots, however, find the two men smiling together and exchanging a big hug.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • League sources stifle their snickers in public while privately marveling at the owner’s ceaseless stupidity. 3.
    Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • So he must be placed in the Apparition section, next to ghosts like John Barron, sharing a snicker with Ivana.
    Greg Marotta, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The tribal leader sniggers; a trade with foreign infidels is inconceivable.
    Bing West, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2011
  • This offbeat comedy, which originally ran from 2007-10, thrives on less explicit social tensions: sniggers behind the back and raised eyebrows at the dinner table.
    The Economist, The Economist, 26 Dec. 2019
Noun
  • The former Ohio senator responded to the jeers with a smile while waving to the crowd and sipping his wine, as seen in a video captured by Andrew Roth, a global affairs correspondent for the Guardian.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The footage shows Vance smiling and waving to the crowd from his box seat as the jeers continued.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sneer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sneer. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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