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
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When the fossil’s origins came into question, David Martill made headlines not just for the fossil’s discovery, but for his dismissive comments. Scott Travers, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 This encounter is the polar opposite of Nick’s initial encounter with Gracie; Nick was dismissive and nasty while Yancy is pleasant and kind. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024 This perception can lead them to view their partner as dismissive or indifferent. Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 It’s known that fertility doctors can be cold, dismissive and will push the more expensive option of IVF on patients. Alex Zaragoza, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024 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 30 Nov. 2024.

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