dismissive

adjective

dis·​mis·​sive dis-ˈmi-siv 

: serving to dismiss or reject someone or something : having or showing a disdainful attitude toward someone or something regarded as unworthy of serious attention

He responded to the question with a dismissive wave.

In the past, Westerberg had been dismissive of Bob's playing, but he says relistening to the early records gave him a new perspective.

—Bob Weir

dismissively adverb

Writer Tom Fontana's violent, realistic drama debuted five years ago and uninitiated viewers still dismissively call it "that prison show on HBO."

—Ian Rothkerch

These are not people who speak dismissively of the brain's capabilities.

—Brad Leithauser

dismissiveness noun

The work of feminist scholars, both individually and collectively, has been greeted in some quarters with impatience, irritation, dismissiveness, even contempt.

—Cullen Murphy

Examples of dismissive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The speaker was dismissive of Musk’s threats to finance opponents — even Democrats — of Republican members who back Trump’s bill. —Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025

When asked whether their chain has any reservations about growing too quickly, Dave’s leadership is dismissive. —Jemima McEvoy, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025

While proving dismissive of his former bestie and top donor, Trump has not yet responded to Musk’s allegations. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 June 2025

As to the matter of crypto investors in Trump’s meme coin effectively buying access to him at events like the one held at his golf club, Streit is dismissive. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dismissive

• derisive
• emissive
• permissive
• submissive
• transmissive
• missive