Synonyms of sneer

sneer 1 of 2

verb

ˈsnir 

as in to laugh

to express scornful amusement by means of facial contortions

She sneered at me in disgust.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• laugh
• smile
• snicker
• snigger
• snort
• sniff
• jeer
• insult
• ridicule
• disdain
• deride
• despise
• scorn
• mock
• decry
• gibe
• taunt
• hoot
• disparage
• scoff (at)
• belittle
• catcall
• tease
• torment
• heckle
• pooh-pooh
• bad-mouth
• jive
• ride
• rib
• razz
• put down

sneer

2 of 2

noun

as in smirk

Related Words

• smirk
• snicker
• snigger
• jeer
• hiss
• snort
• boo
• taunt
• raspberry
• razz
• gibe
• Bronx cheer
• bird
• catcall
• whistle
• hoot
• put-down

Dissimilar Words

• cheer
• applause
• clapping

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

Recent Examples of sneer

Verb

Texas and Florida were COVID-19 wildfires, where the rates of infection soared due to the irresponsible actions of their respective governors who allowed businesses to remain open, all but sneered at immunization and encouraged people to gather maskless at public venues. —Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026

In character as a free spirit who scorns social convention, Davis is all haughty tosses of the head and sneering lines. —Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026

Noun

Yes, y’all—grandma’s decor and furniture may have gotten some sneers of disapproval over the years, but now more than ever, people are using her charming style as inspiration for home design. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026

With his sneers at foreign troops who sacrificed for America, Trump has done more than alienate America’s closest allies. —Trudy Rubin, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026