Preposition: of

• claim: The Lib Dems were dismissive of the claims, concentrating on a campaign they believe could mop up lost Labor and Tory votes.

• idea: It is also fairly dismissive of the idea of a carbon tax.

• anything: I remember once Vic Godard being so dismissive of anything new.

• suggestion: For a long time I was dismissive of this suggestion: because there didn't seem to be a coherent roads lobby.

• people: But you are being unduly dismissive of people who honestly believe that the structure of the RC church is valid.

Modifies a noun

• attitude: You're not alone in taking the rather dismissive attitude toward me that you do, of course.

• remark: Ben Gunn's character comes alive despite all of the Jim's dismissive remarks about him.

• gesture: Sam made a dismissive gesture at them before stacking her dishes and carrying them to the kitchenette.

• wave: Bunch of glowy good for nothings, " Jack said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

• comment: There are too many details involved for such a dismissive blanket comment to be considered factual.

• manner: Same old, same old, " he waved his hand in a dismissive manner.

Modifying Another Word

• equally: In Britain, establishment interest was equally dismissive of the potential of aircraft.

• rather: There is a question of cost, which he is hiding behind at the moment, in his rather dismissive way.

• somewhat: He then takes a somewhat dismissive look at a few of the other clubs before focusing on the underachievement of the national team.

• initially: Initially dismissive of the precocious visitor, James ' is soon persuaded by a bag of dope from Harry's parents.

• fairly: Reviews have been mixed: some very generous, others fairly dismissive.

• too: It is far too dismissive of proven marketing practice.

Used with adjective complement

• seem: In the last newsletter the Editor seemed rather dismissive of our claim to membership of the human race.

• become: In fact, he suddenly became very dismissive about the whole event when I was able to question him a couple of days later.