ridicule 1 of 2

as in contempt
the making of unkind jokes as a way of showing one's scorn for someone or something the early efforts by the suffragists to obtain voting rights for women were met with ridicule

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ridicule

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ridicule distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ridicule are deride, mock, and taunt. While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

When is deride a more appropriate choice than ridicule?

The meanings of deride and ridicule largely overlap; however, deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

In what contexts can mock take the place of ridicule?

The words mock and ridicule are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

When is it sensible to use taunt instead of ridicule?

While the synonyms taunt and ridicule are close in meaning, taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge.

hometown fans taunted the visiting team

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ridicule
Noun
The interaction quickly became the subject of online ridicule. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025 Because now there's no amount of public ridicule that is fun. Ashley Hume, Fox News, 6 Feb. 2025
Verb
And gone are the drugs and alcohol which she has also been ridiculed for in the past, despite speaking candidly about her journey to sobriety 2023 was also the year that Doechii toured with Doja Cat and won the Rising Star award at Billboard’s annual Women in Music event. Carly Lewis-Oduntan, refinery29.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Similar videos were posted on the lawmakers’ X or Instagram accounts on Tuesday and eventually caught the attention of right-leaning voices, who ridiculed the Democrats for the campaign messaging. Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridicule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridicule
Noun
  • Violations would be enforceable under New York’s criminal contempt laws, ensuring accountability.
    Eric Gonzalez, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • But the contempt seems to be even louder behind closed doors.
    Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Now mock drafts expect the Seahawks will try to improve their offensive line or add another wide receiver for Darnold.
    Jim Sergent, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
  • And my wife would probably mock me for not getting meat, or something else.
    Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • At the center of this tempest is the Trumpian disdain toward the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and especially the European nations that are America's main partners in that great endeavor.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Trump posted about his disdain for the portrait on Sunday and blamed Gov. Jared Polis (D), who was not in office at the time the artwork was commissioned and not involved in the 2019 unveiling a few months after he was sworn in.
    Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Trump, on the other hand, has clearly expressed a desire for some sort of deal with Iran – despite his derision for the agreement reached by Barack Obama in 2015.
    Mick Krever, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The derision from the Right was predictable enough, but there was also open dismay from Democrats who would have kept silent at the same clip only a year ago.
    Alexander Nazaryan, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Indian American actor Kal Penn was the host for the evening and his comments as well as those by the hosts drew a lot of laughter.
    Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Bibby said to a chorus of laughter in a room that included Hornets staffers, coaches from other sports and his family, including son Michael Bibby Jr, who grew up attending Kings practices and games.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ridicule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridicule. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

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