What does "sneeringly" mean?
In a sneering manner.
Sneeringly
adv
adv ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: In a sneering manner.
- Grammar: sneeringly is listed as adv.
- Nearest alternatives: snidely, contemptuously, derisively, derisorily.
- Useful contrasts: admiringly, respectfully, warmly.
- Usage evidence: On the 18th of January, 1856, Commodore Mervine sailed from San Francisco, by order of Mr. Secretary Dobbin, conveyed to him by Mr. G. W. Benson, agent of the American Guano Company, to take possession of Baker and Jarvis Islands, in the name of the United States. He was also to survey the islands, and bring home specimens of the guano. Commodore Mervine, believing this matter one of the first importance, instead of sending a sloop of war, went himself in the Independence, his own ship. His route ought to have been first to Jarvis Island; but he passed by that, and sailed directly to Baker’s Island. Having reached this island, he sailed around what he sneeringly calls “the El Dorado of mercantile and agricultural interests of our country.” “The delusion was transitory,” he writes the Secretary of the Navy, “for, on applying his eye to his telescope,” he made the most marvellous discovery of modern times, viz: that “the island was covered with birdlime in a state of decomposition.”
How to use "sneeringly"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sneeringly" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "sneeringly" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "sneeringly" is acting as adv in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "snidely" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adverb
- 1 In a sneering manner.
"On the 18th of January, 1856, Commodore Mervine sailed from San Francisco, by order of Mr. Secretary Dobbin, conveyed to him by Mr. G. W. Benson, agent of the American Guano Company, to take possession of Baker and Jarvis Islands, in the name of the United States. He was also to survey the islands, and bring home specimens of the guano. Commodore Mervine, believing this matter one of the first importance, instead of sending a sloop of war, went himself in the Independence, his own ship. His route ought to have been first to Jarvis Island; but he passed by that, and sailed directly to Baker’s Island. Having reached this island, he sailed around what he sneeringly calls “the El Dorado of mercantile and agricultural interests of our country.” “The delusion was transitory,” he writes the Secretary of the Navy, “for, on applying his eye to his telescope,” he made the most marvellous discovery of modern times, viz: that “the island was covered with birdlime in a state of decomposition.”"
Adverb
- 1 with a sneer; in an uncomplimentary sneering manner wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"On the 18th of January, 1856, Commodore Mervine sailed from San Francisco, by order of Mr. Secretary Dobbin, conveyed to him by Mr. G. W. Benson, agent of the American Guano Company, to take possession of Baker and Jarvis Islands, in the name of the United States. He was also to survey the islands, and bring home specimens of the guano. Commodore Mervine, believing this matter one of the first importance, instead of sending a sloop of war, went himself in the Independence, his own ship. His route ought to have been first to Jarvis Island; but he passed by that, and sailed directly to Baker’s Island. Having reached this island, he sailed around what he sneeringly calls “the El Dorado of mercantile and agricultural interests of our country.” “The delusion was transitory,” he writes the Secretary of the Navy, “for, on applying his eye to his telescope,” he made the most marvellous discovery of modern times, viz: that “the island was covered with birdlime in a state of decomposition.”"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sneeringly"?
Common synonyms include: snidely, contemptuously, derisively, derisorily, jeeringly, scornfully.
How do you use "sneeringly" in a sentence?
On the 18th of January, 1856, Commodore Mervine sailed from San Francisco, by order of Mr. Secretary Dobbin, conveyed to him by Mr. G. W. Benson, agent of the American Guano Company, to take possession of Baker and Jarvis Islands, in the name of the United States. He was also to survey the islands, and bring home specimens of the guano. Commodore Mervine, believing this matter one of the first importance, instead of sending a sloop of war, went himself in the Independence, his own ship. His route ought to have been first to Jarvis Island; but he passed by that, and sailed directly to Baker’s Island. Having reached this island, he sailed around what he sneeringly calls “the El Dorado of mercantile and agricultural interests of our country.” “The delusion was transitory,” he writes the Secretary of the Navy, “for, on applying his eye to his telescope,” he made the most marvellous discovery of modern times, viz: that “the island was covered with birdlime in a state of decomposition.”
Etymology
From sneering + -ly.