2. To inssinuate contempt by a covert expression; to speak derisively. [ 1913 Webster ]

I could be content to be a little sneared at. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To show mirth awkwardly. [ R. ] Tatler. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To scoff; gibe; jeer. -- Sneer, Scoff, Jeer. The verb to sneer implies to cast contempt indirectly or by covert expressions. To jeer is stronger, and denotes the use of several sarcastic reflections. To scoff is stronger still, implying the use of insolent mockery and derision. [ 1913 Webster ]

And sneers as learnedly as they,
Like females o'er their morning tea. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

Midas, exposed to all their jeers,
Had lost his art, and kept his ears. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

The fop, with learning at defiance,
Scoffs at the pedant and science. Gay. [ 1913 Webster ]

“A ship of fools, ” he sneered. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To treat with sneers; to affect or move by sneers. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nor sneered nor bribed from virtue into shame. Savage. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A smile, grin, or contortion of the face, indicative of contempt; an indirect expression or insinuation of contempt. “Who can refute a sneer?” Raley. [ 1913 Webster ]