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dismissive

[dis-mis-iv] / dɪsˈmɪs ɪv /
ADJECTIVE
disdainful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aloof arrogant averse contemptuous derisive haughty unsympathetic
WEAK
antipathetic cavalier cold-shoulder contemning cool despising egotistic high-and-mighty hoity-toity indifferent insolent lordly overbearing proud rejecting repudiating scouting sneering snooty supercilious superior toplofty uppity
Antonyms
STRONGEST
humble meek shy sympathetic
WEAK
esteemable favoring loving praising respectful
ADJECTIVE
scornful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
contemptuous disparaging sardonic
WEAK
abusive arrogant belittling cold-shoulder contumelious defiant despicable haughty insolent malicious opprobrious sarcastic supercilious
Antonyms
WEAK
admiring flattering gracious polite respectful
ADJECTIVE
prideful
Synonyms
WEAK
aloof assuming audacious autocratic biggety boastful bossy bragging cavalier cheeky cocky cold-shoulder conceited contemptuous cool disdainful domineering egotistic egotistical haughty high-and-mighty high-handed imperious insolent know-it-all lofty lordly narcissistic on an ego trip on one's high horse overbearing overweening peremptory pompous presumptuous pretentious puffed up scornful self-important self-satisfied smug sniffy snippy snobbish snooty snotty stuck-up supercilious superior swaggering uppity vain vainglorious

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Probation officer Julian Davies said Doughty became "very frustrated" when money repeatedly fell out of the machine and felt the warden was being dismissive.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

While Jobs could often be dismissive of ideas, Cook established a reputation for a more cautious, accessible and deliberate approach.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

One of the leading dismissive comments is that this wasn’t even a moon landing, and only returning with dusty boots would be significant.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

Reading her face and realizing that he might have sounded dismissive, he adds, “It’s a conversation. A really creative conversation.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

He raised his eyebrows, which were thick and fused together, and blew a dismissive, blubbery sound through his lips.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

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