snub

1 of 3

verb

ˈsnəb How to pronounce snub (audio)
snubbed; snubbing
Synonyms of snub

transitive verb

1
: to check or stop with a cutting retort : rebuke
2
a
: to check (something, such as a line or chain that is running out) suddenly especially by turning around a fixed object (such as a post or a cleat)
also : to check the motion of by snubbing a line
snub the anchor
b
: to restrain the action of : suppress
snub a vibration
3
: to treat with contempt or neglect
snub an old acquaintance
4
: to extinguish by stubbing
snub out a cigarette

snub

2 of 3

noun

: an act or an instance of snubbing
especially : slight

snub

3 of 3

adjective

1
or snubbed
ˈsnəbd How to pronounce snub (audio)
: blunt, stubby
a snub nose
2
: used in snubbing
snub line
snubness noun

Synonyms of snub

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Verb

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of snub in a Sentence

Verb She snubbed me in the hallway. He snubbed their job offer. They deliberately snubbed the meeting. Noun he tolerated the snubs from his in-laws because the holidays come but once a year, thankfully
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
Game officials intervened and even threatened to throw a penalty flag if Miami snubbed the pre-game handshake. — Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026 LeBron snubs Heat for Philly, Spain celebrates World Cup, Messi rests as MLS resumes, football returns as Dolphins/Canes open camps, Marlins’ skid at 11 and more. — Greg Cote july 26, Miami Herald, 26 July 2026
Noun
Meanwhile, franchise pitching legend Dave Stieb has reignited a decades-old debate, asserting that his Hall of Fame snub and lack of Cy Young awards stem from playing in Canada. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 The snub for entry-level models could discourage those looking forward to this program after Apple’s recent price hikes, which raised the prices of the MacBook Neo and the entry-level iPad by $100. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for snub

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English snibben, snubben, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse snubba to scold, Swedish dialect snubba to reproach, cut off

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of snub was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing snub

Rhymes for snub

See All Rhymes for snub

Browse Nearby Words

Snr
snub
snubber
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Snub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snub. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

snub

1 of 3 verb
ˈsnəb How to pronounce snub (audio)
snubbed; snubbing
1
: to check or stop with a reply that hurts : rebuke
2
a
: to check (as a line) suddenly while running out especially by turning around a fixed object (as a post)
b
: to check the motion of by snubbing a line
3
: to deliberately ignore or treat rudely
4
: to put out by crushing
snubber noun

snub

2 of 3 noun
: an act or an instance of snubbing
especially : rebuff entry 2

snub

3 of 3 adjective
variants or snubbed
ˈsnəbd How to pronounce snub (audio)
: stubby, blunt

More from Merriam-Webster on snub

Nglish: Translation of snub for Spanish Speakers

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