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
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
Ian Rothkerch
These are not people who speak dismissively of the brain's capabilities.
—Brad Leithauser
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
Cullen Murphy
Examples of dismissive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
His physician was not dismissive out of negligence.
—Elizabeth Bevins, STAT, 16 June 2026
Qantas staff at the airport were dismissive and refused to help.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
The cancellation was frustrating enough, but this comes across as incredibly dismissive of the fans who support your career.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Venus square Chiron could stir up private doubts, especially if a conversation hits a nerve or someone’s tone feels dismissive.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dismissive
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Elizabeth Bevins, STAT, 16 June 2026
Qantas staff at the airport were dismissive and refused to help.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
The cancellation was frustrating enough, but this comes across as incredibly dismissive of the fans who support your career.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
Venus square Chiron could stir up private doubts, especially if a conversation hits a nerve or someone’s tone feels dismissive.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dismissive
Cite this Entry
“Dismissive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismissive. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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