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Sneer vs Smear - What's the difference?

sneer | smear |

In lang=en terms the difference between sneer and smear

is that sneer is to utter with a grimace or contemptuous expression; to say sneeringly while smear is to become spread by smearing.

As verbs the difference between sneer and smear

is that sneer is to raise a corner of the upper lip slightly, especially in scorn while smear is to spread (a substance, especially one that colours or is dirty) across a surface by rubbing.

As nouns the difference between sneer and smear

is that sneer is a facial expression where one slightly raises one corner of the upper lip, generally indicating scorn while smear is a mark made by smearing.

sneer

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • To raise a corner of the upper lip slightly, especially in scorn
  • To utter with a grimace or contemptuous expression; to say sneeringly.
  • to sneer fulsome lies at a person

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A facial expression where one slightly raises one corner of the upper lip, generally indicating scorn.
  • A display of contempt; scorn.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham), title=(The China Governess)
  • , chapter=8 citation , passage=It was a casual sneer , obviously one of a long line. There was hatred behind it, but of a quiet, chronic type, nothing new or unduly virulent, and he was taken aback by the flicker of amazed incredulity that passed over the younger man's ravaged face.}}

    See also

    * snarl

    Anagrams

    * ----

    smear

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To spread (a substance, especially one that colours or is dirty) across a surface by rubbing.
  • The artist smeared paint over the canvas in broad strokes.
  • To have a substance smeared on (a surface).
  • She smeared her lips with lipstick.
  • To damage someone's reputation by slandering, misrepresenting, or otherwise making false accusations about an individual, their statements, or their actions.
  • ''The opposition party attempted to smear the candidate by spreading incorrect and unverifiable rumors about their personal behavior.
  • To become spread by smearing.
  • The paint is still wet — don't touch it or it will smear .
  • To climb without using footholds, using the friction from the shoe to stay on the wall.
  • Synonyms

    * spread * (have a substance smeared on) coat, cover, layer

    Derived terms

    * smearer

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A mark made by smearing.
  • This detergent cleans windows without leaving smears .
  • (medicine) A Pap smear.
  • I'm going to the doctor's this afternoon for a smear .
  • A false attack.
  • A maneuver in which the shoe is placed onto the holdless rock, and the friction from the shoe keeps it in contact
  • A rough glissando in jazz music.
  • Synonyms

    * (mark) streak * (Pap smear) Pap smear, Pap test

    Derived terms

    * cervical smear * smear campaign * smear case

    Anagrams

    * * * * English ergative verbs