wiseacre

[ˈwaɪzˌeɪkər]

wiseacre Definition

a person who behaves in an irritatingly smug or arrogant fashion, typically by making clever remarks and displaying their knowledge.

Using wiseacre: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wiseacre" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He's always interrupting the teacher with his clever comments. What a wiseacre!

  • Example

    Don't be such a wiseacre and just answer the question.

  • Example

    The wiseacre at the party wouldn't stop talking about his accomplishments.

wiseacre Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for wiseacre

  • smart aleck
  • know-it-all
  • wise guy
  • smart mouth
  • wiseass

Phrases with wiseacre

  • to act in a smug or conceited manner, often by showing off one's knowledge or intelligence

    Example

    He's always playing the wiseacre, trying to impress everyone with his vocabulary.

  • a smug or self-satisfied expression on someone's face

    Example

    He had a wiseacre grin on his face after he answered the difficult question.

  • a clever or sarcastic comment made by someone who is trying to show off their intelligence or wit

    Example

    She couldn't resist making a wiseacre remark when her friend asked a simple question.

Origins of wiseacre

from 'wise' + 'acre', meaning 'knowing one'

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Summary: wiseacre in Brief

'Wiseacre' [ˈwaɪzˌeɪkər] refers to a person who behaves in an irritatingly smug or arrogant fashion, often by making clever remarks and displaying their knowledge. It is synonymous with 'smart aleck,' 'wise guy,' and 'wiseass.' The phrase 'play the wiseacre' describes acting in a smug or conceited manner, while 'wiseacre grin' and 'wiseacre remark' describe a smug expression and a clever or sarcastic comment, respectively.

How do native speakers use this expression?