sneer

sneer — noun

1. A facial expression — often with one corner of the upper lip raised — that openl

1.nounB2
Definition

A facial expression — often with one corner of the upper lip raised — that openly shows dislike, lack of respect, or a sense of superiority toward someone or something.

Example

Asher gave a sneer when he heard his opponent's weak argument.

give + a sneer

A sneer appeared on Manuela's face as she read the poorly written report.

a sneer on someone's face

Common collocations
  • give a sneer
  • with a sneer
  • a sneer of contempt
  • hide a sneer
Synonyms
  • scorn

    a stronger feeling of complete rejection, not limited to facial expression

  • disdain

    a calmer, more controlled sense of superiority; can be shown without any facial change

  • contempt

    the emotion behind a sneer; refers to the inner feeling rather than the outward expression

Grammar Patterns

a sneer (of + noun)

with a sneer

sneer — verb

Word family

  • sneering
    adjectiveC1
  • sneeringly
    adverbC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

Sneer, mock, ridicule, and scorn all describe showing contempt, but they differ in how the feeling is expressed. A sneer is often a facial expression or a brief, dismissive remark — it is quick and can be silent. Mocking is more active and noisy: it involves imitating someone's voice or actions to make them look foolish. Ridicule is similar but usually uses language in a sharper, more public way, such as in writing or a speech. Scorn is broader — it names the feeling of deep disrespect itself, which may or may not be shown outwardly. For example, you might sneer at a colleague's idea during a meeting, mock a friend's fashion by copying their walk, ridicule a politician in an editorial, or feel scorn toward a dishonest company without saying a word.

sneer ↗mock ↗ridiculescorn

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Prepositions

Etymology

GermanicEnglish

The word sneer appeared in English around the 1500s, likely from a Germanic root meaning 'to snort' or 'to draw back the lips' — an animal-like expression of hostility. Over time it came to describe the specific human facial expression of contempt, and later the scornful tone of voice or words that accompany it.