dismissive

adjective

dis·​mis·​sive dis-ˈmi-siv How to pronounce dismissive (audio)
: serving to dismiss or reject someone or something : having or showing a disdainful attitude toward someone or something regarded as unworthy of serious attention
He responded to the question with a dismissive wave.
In the past, Westerberg had been dismissive of Bob's playing, but he says relistening to the early records gave him a new perspective.Bob Weir
dismissively adverb
Writer Tom Fontana's violent, realistic drama debuted five years ago and uninitiated viewers still dismissively call it "that prison show on HBO." Ian Rothkerch
These are not people who speak dismissively of the brain's capabilities. Brad Leithauser
dismissiveness noun
The work of feminist scholars, both individually and collectively, has been greeted in some quarters with impatience, irritation, dismissiveness, even contempt. Cullen Murphy

Examples of dismissive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her dismissive response led to a heated argument, ultimately leading the poster to revoke her sister’s borrowing privileges. Ashley Vega, People.com, 14 Jan. 2025 In Washington, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby was dismissive of questions on Trump's calls to take over both Greenland and the Panama Canal and make Canada the 51st state. Cat Zakrzewski and Mariana Alfaro The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 13 Jan. 2025 Demonstrate accountability—Offer sincere apologies when necessary and avoid dismissive language that may undermine trust. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 Director Jacques Audiard, who had previously admitted to minimal research on Mexican culture, only deepened the controversy with dismissive remarks about cultural authenticity. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dismissive 

Word History

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dismissive was in 1645

Dictionary Entries Near dismissive

Cite this Entry

“Dismissive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dismissive. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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