as in to laugh
to express scornful amusement by means of facial contortions
She sneered at me in disgust.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
Despite years of sneering from US critics—or perhaps because of it—Kerouac’s popularity and influence on generations of global readers and artists is undeniable.
—
Jean-Christophe Cloutier
march 26,
Literary Hub,
26 Mar. 2026
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
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
Despite years of sneering from US critics—or perhaps because of it—Kerouac’s popularity and influence on generations of global readers and artists is undeniable.
—
Jean-Christophe Cloutier
march 26,
Literary Hub,
26 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
-
Swift shared a glimpse of the fun on Instagram by posting some Polaroids of them laughing, hugging and enjoying red, white and blue Popsicles.
-
England would be a laughing stock (and already home) without him.
Noun
-
There was a point in Patrick Paul’s ascension last season where his smirk, his hearty chuckles irritated, if not frustrated his opponents to the point of anger.
-
Michelle replied with a smirk and a nudge.
Verb
-
Swift will either ignore the noise as usual, or smile at the absurdity as a secure, proud childless cat lady.
-
Waving and smiling, Aveiro, accompanied by a burly gentleman, takes a seat at a table bedecked with a bouquet of roses, ready to tuck into some cuisine from her native country.
Noun
-
The grown-ups in the audience snicker.
-
There were snickers from some of the other students, including a tall and lank-haired kid whose name Adele didn’t know.
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.
-
The tribal leader sniggers; a trade with foreign infidels is inconceivable.
Noun
-
Clark's jeers came at Shinnecock Hills in the Hamptons, roughly 60 miles away from Bethpage Black, where fans became the subject of controversy during the Ryder Cup.
-
And all game long, Canada outclassed South Africa, who at times appeared content to hold the ball and take the game to a penalty shootout (earning jeers from the Canada-heavy crowd).
Cite this Entry
“Sneer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sneer. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
