sneer

Universal Words verb, noun verb ~ (at sb/sth) to show that you have no respect for sb by the expression on your face or by the way you speak: [V] He sneered at people who liked pop music. * a sneering comment / smile / laugh * [Vspeech] 'You? A writer?' she sneered. sneeringly adverb noun [usuallysing.] an unpleasant look, smile or comment that shows you do not respect sb/sth: 'And who are you, then?' he asked with a sneer in his voice. * A faint sneer of satisfaction crossed her face.