Skip to main content
sneer

sneer

9 5.5
A look on the face that shows you do not respect someone
  • noun
  • /snɪr/
: mueca de desprecio
  • Dumont watched him go, a sneer of contempt twisting his strong features.

Not sneer or a leer, you know, but just like, happy.

Examples

  • Hillerod's lip lifted in an uncontrollable sneer when he saw Beneteau.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Jeremy's lips tightened into a sneer as he turned away, breaking the spell.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Said he, with a sneer, I am here, and this is the rightful code.

  • "If you ask me, the hint of a sneer lurked behind these words.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Even the faint sneer on Kenneth's face had not scared her off.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • You needn't answer; you have a very expressive sneer, did you know that?

    Fiction book (1992)
  • As Katling watched him enter, his upper lip lifted into a sneer blended with reluctant respect.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Flick's spine stiffened, his lips curled in a defiant sneer.

  • Fayth's mouth curled into a sneer that only grew nastier when Wesley entered behind Ridley.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • Her sneer revealed her disdain for the suggestion made by her colleague.

Synonyms

smirk
vssneer
33 4.2

A smile that shows you feel pleased with yourself and dislike for others

shows contempt through an upper lip curl rather than a smug smile
shit-eating grin
vssneer
  • Offensive
3 9.9

A smug, annoying smile that shows someone is pleased with themselves

signals contempt by curling the upper lip rather than a satisfied smile
wry face
vssneer
1 6.1

A twisted look that shows dislike, annoyance, or slight amusement

expresses contempt by curling the upper lip rather than a twisted look

Antonyms

∞ 1.0

To turn the corners of your mouth up to show happiness or friendliness

132 1.0

Smile broadly, often showing the teeth when you feel happy, amused, or embarrassed

How Scornful

sneer
9 5.5
cold stare
2 4.6
smirk
33 4.2
stern look
2 3.1

Surface Forms

sneer singular
sneers plural

Etymology

Sneer for a facial expression comes from the same old idea of 'to snarl' and curl the lip like an animal showing its teeth. That image explains why a sneer is the upper lip curl that shows contempt.