sneer 1 of 2

Definition of sneernext

sneer

2 of 2

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
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
Valarr asks Ser Duncan with a sneer. Noel Murray, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026 Sure, the scatalogical title and prurient lyrics reflected the band's age — Armstrong was fresh out of his teens at the time — but its punk sneer was rooted in sophisticated songcraft. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sneer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sneer
Verb
  • Parts of the ad featured realistic-looking footage of Massie walking, dining, and laughing with the two.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 20 June 2026
  • The High Museum of Art is also hosting a Juneteenth event for visitors to tour the art galleries, make art of their own, listen to stories and poetry, laugh with comedians and dance during a Tambor Party.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Roy interjected with the mischievous smirk typical of a younger brother trying to ruffle some feathers.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • Her roundup began with a photo of a shadow holding a wine glass outdoors, followed by a selfie with a smirk.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Across over a dozen photos, James is seen hoisting his daughter up on his shoulders, enjoying the family ranch with his son, embracing his young kids, and smiling alongside his wife.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026
  • One of the photos featured a selfie of the Aquaman actress smiling into the camera on race day.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • The grown-ups in the audience snicker.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • There were snickers from some of the other students, including a tall and lank-haired kid whose name Adele didn’t know.
    Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Each time an audience member so much as sniggers or sneezes, money is docked from a prize pot of £250,000 ($330,000), the slightest noise costing them up to £10,000 ($13,000) each time.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 2 May 2025
  • 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
  • Loud jeers have greeted the stoppages, around 22 minutes into each half, especially at games played in stadiums with roofs and air conditioning, such as Atlanta.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • In response, the Fed raised or lowered interest rates to increase or decrease liquidity, eliciting both cheers and jeers from political and economic opinion makers.
    Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sneer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sneer. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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