Definition of: sneer

(snir) noun
1. A grimace of contempt or derision made by slightly raising the upper lip and nostrils.
2. A mean or contemptuous insinuation; a fling.
—v.i.
1. To make or show a sneer.
2. To express derision or contempt in speech, writing, etc.
—v.t.
3. To utter with a sneer or in a sneering manner. See synonyms under SCOFF. [ME sneren; ult. origin uncertain]
—sneer′er noun
—sneer′ing adjective
—sneer′·ing·ly adverb Synonyms (noun): fling, gibe, jeer, scoff, taunt. A sneer may be simply a contemptuous facial contortion or some brief satirical utterance that throws a contemptuous sidelight on what it attacks without attempting to prove or disprove. The jeer and gibe are uttered; the gibe is bitter, and often sly or covert; the jeer is rude and open. A scoff may be in act or word, and is commonly directed against that which claims honor, reverence, or worship. A fling is careless and commonly pettish; a taunt is intentionally insulting and provoking; the sneer is supercilious; the taunt is defiant. See SCORN.