leeringly

8.6

Looking at someone in a rude, sexual way that makes them feel uncomfortable

adverb
/ˈlɪrɪŋli/

NSFW

: con lascivia

He looked at her leeringly, making her feel uncomfortable in the crowded room.

Examples

Several years ago, she had heard Renee and Pa carrying on in their bedroom, and her oldest brother, Russ, had leeringly and graphically explained what was going on.

Fiction book (1997)
The man spoke leeringly, causing everyone nearby to shift uncomfortably in their seats.
She smiled leeringly at him as he approached, giving him an unsettling feeling.

Synonyms

contemptuously

vsleeringly

4 7.5

In a way that shows you have no respect for someone or something

is sly and suggestive, aiming to unsettle through unpleasant implication rather than blunt contempt

scornfully

vsleeringly

4 6.0

In a way that shows strong dislike and disrespect

is sly and suggestive, intended to make others feel uneasy rather than only disliked

disdainfully

vsleeringly

3 7.3

With a look or voice that shows strong dislike and no respect

is sly and suggestive, adding an unpleasant personal or sexual edge

snidely

vsleeringly

1 8.6

Says things in a mocking, mean way that shows dislike

is sly and suggestive, aiming to unsettle others rather than only mock

sneeringly

vsleeringly

1 8.1

In a way that shows you do not respect someone or something

is sly and suggestive, focused on making others feel uncomfortable rather than only contempt

saucily

vsleeringly

Informal

7.7

In a bold, playful way that shows little respect

is sly and suggestive, making others feel uncomfortable rather than playful

scoffingly

vsleeringly

Offensive

8.6

In a rude way that shows you think someone is silly

is sly and suggestive, targeting discomfort rather than mere mockery

slightingly

vsleeringly

9.9

In a way that shows little respect for someone or their work

is sly and suggestive, creating discomfort through implied meaning rather than open insult

Antonyms

respectfully

101 2.3

In a polite way to someone

How Insincere

leeringly

NSFW

8.6

simperingly

9.9

smugly

8 6.0

smilingly

2 2.5

Surface Forms

leeringly positive

Morphology

leeringly = leer (transparent) = leer + ingly

The adverb is formed from the verb 'leer' using the suffix '-ingly', clearly indicating the manner of the action.

Etymology

Leeringly comes from the verb leer, which once meant 'to look sideways in a sly way', like a secret smile. So to look leeringly is to stare in a sly, unpleasant, often suggestive way that makes someone feel uncomfortable.