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
Both suspects were charged with first-degree intimidation based on bigotry or bias, ridicule on account of creed, religion, color, denomination, nationality or race, second-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2025 In the past, they have even been met with ridicule. Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
Their content, which has a public access TV vibe to it, has been polarizing — many of the comments ridicule the pair while others are made in their defense. Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025 One economist, Justin Wolfers at the University of Michigan, ridiculed Trump’s proposal. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridicule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridicule
Noun
  • No one is more familiar than Walker with state government’s contempt for constitutional rights.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025
  • Epic then argued in court that Apple wasn’t complying with the order, and a judge ruled in Epic’s favor in April, holding Apple in civil contempt.
    John Yoon, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Gervais also mocked himself during his acceptance speech.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 31 May 2025
  • A week later, Rogan mocked Hawass and weighed in again on skeptical theories over who built the pyramids.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Economists and pundits reacted to Trump’s warning with a mix of horror and haughty disdain.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Trump has made no secret of his disdain for the bloc.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • The administrative state, a term thrown around with much derision in conservative circles, is simply a label for what the government does to keep America running.
    Paisley Currah, New Yorker, 27 May 2025
  • In the 1980’s the Zastava Yugo, aka the Yugo, was sold in the US for less than $4000, bringing both popularity and derision.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • June 1, 2025 Thank you for all the laughter, heart, and unforgettable moments.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
  • The 78-year-old rock star asked fans for their best caption for the bit that may leave audience members dying with laughter Iggy is currently touring in Europe, North America and South America Iggy Pop knows how to make an exit.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ridicule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridicule. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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