SNEER Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'sneer' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of sneer are fleer , flout , gibe , jeer , and scoff . While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice. // sneered at anything romantic

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fleer' instead of 'sneer'?

The meanings of fleer and sneer largely overlap; however, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively. // the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

Q: When might 'flout' be a better fit than 'sneer'?

While the synonyms flout and sneer are close in meaning, flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed. // flouted the conventions of polite society

Q: Where would 'gibe' be a reasonable alternative to 'sneer'?

The words gibe and sneer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision. // hooted and gibed at the umpire

Q: When could 'jeer' be used to replace 'sneer'?

The words jeer and sneer can be used in similar contexts, but jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision. // the crowd jeered at the prisoners

Q: In what contexts can 'scoff' take the place of 'sneer'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sneer , scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision. // scoffed at their concerns

sneer 1 of 2

verb

ˈsnir

Definition of sneer

as in to laugh

to express scornful amusement by means of facial contortions She sneered at me in disgust.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sneer

2 of 2

noun

as in smirk

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How is the word sneer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of sneer are fleer, flout, gibe, jeer, and scoff. While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

When is it sensible to use fleer instead of sneer?

The meanings of fleer and sneer largely overlap; however, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

When might flout be a better fit than sneer?

While the synonyms flout and sneer are close in meaning, flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

Where would gibe be a reasonable alternative to sneer?

The words gibe and sneer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

When could jeer be used to replace sneer?

The words jeer and sneer can be used in similar contexts, but jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

In what contexts can scoff take the place of sneer?

While in some cases nearly identical to sneer, scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

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

Verb

Nobody sneered at authority and received wisdom more than Johnny Rotten. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026 In a recent video interview, Windolf noted that there are plenty of Beatle fans who find Dylan abrasive and overrated, while there are Dylanologists who sneer at the pop songwriting of Lennon and McCartney. — Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 1 June 2026

Noun

While some celebrants have greeted these caricatures with cathartic jeers and sneers, others are shocked and outraged. — Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026 Claflin’s got the right kind of handsome face for it, all angles and sneers. — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sneer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sneer

Verb

After the game, the family reconvened on the field for pictures, laughing over the strange coincidence, or not, of it all.

— Devon Henderson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Faris recalls, laughing, at the film’s world premiere at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

— Erin Jensen, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of laugh

Noun

Orlando Bloom flashes a shirtless smirk while on vacation in Marmi, Italy on July 26.

— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
His trademark smirk and knowing stare are now feared by any opponent up against Norway, but don’t be fooled into thinking Haaland isn’t serious about his career.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of smirk

Verb

In 2012, a smiling Jason Arday was photographed by the British press carrying the Olympic flame in the torch relay that preceded the London Games.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
So there sat Pecko on Tuesday afternoon atop a bench inside Dakin Park’s first-base dugout, smiling to hide nerves before the biggest day of his baseball life.

— Chandler Rome, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of smile

Noun

As executed, the 2019 show is an emotional yet refreshingly unsentimental black comedy that snickers in the face of empowerment buzzwords like, well, healing journey.

— Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Classic cookies come in 11 flavors like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, snicker doodle, white chocolate macadamia nut, fruity pebbles, monster and white chocolate cranberry.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026

Definition of snicker

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.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 2 May 2025
The tribal leader sniggers; a trade with foreign infidels is inconceivable.

— Bing West, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2011

Definition of snigger

Noun

Instagram rolled out a new logo last week — which instantly drew jeers from some users.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
And the jeers that White received from the home crowd at the end of pregame introductions might have spurred energy from the Fever players before and after the tilt.

— Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of jeer

Browse Nearby Words

sneaky

sneer

sneer (at)

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“Sneer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sneer. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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