derisory

adjective

de·​ri·​so·​ry di-ˈrī-sə-rē How to pronounce derisory (audio)
-zə-
Synonyms of derisorynext
1
: expressing derision : derisive
2
: worthy of derision
especially : laughably small
land could be bought for a derisory sum

Synonyms

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Examples of derisory in a Sentence

a literary snob, she invariably used the derisory term “the boob tube” when referring to television the pawnbroker offered what I regarded as a derisory amount for the diamond ring
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.
She was then remanded in a nunnery, given a derisory sentence — less than two years in jail — before being released with a presidential pardon. — Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2024 The state media are full of derisory commentary about the alleged hypocrisy, decadence, and even blasphemy that is supposedly on display in Paris. — Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of derisory was in 1618

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Cite this Entry

“Derisory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derisory. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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