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Definition of sniveling

sniveling

/ˈsnɪv.əl.ɪŋ/
(UK: snivelling)
sniv · el · ing
Adverb:snivelingly
•
Plural:snivelings
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sniveling Lexical Profile

sniveling Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

American Crying, whining, or complaining in a weak, cowardly, or contemptible manner.

Example

"The villain in the play was portrayed as a sniveling coward who begged for mercy."

2

American Weeping and sniffling with a runny nose.

Example

"She handed a tissue to the sniveling child after he scraped his knee."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

American The act of crying, sniffling, or complaining in a weak or pitiful way.

Example

"The coach told the players to stop their sniveling and focus on the second half of the game."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Spelled "sniveling" in American English and "snivelling" in British English.

• Nearby Words

snitcher
snivel
sniveler
sniveling
snivelly
snively
snob

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb "snivel," which comes from Middle English "snevelen" and Old English "snofl" (mucus), related to "snout."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sniveling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sniveling
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