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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to mock
to make (someone or something) the object of unkind laughter
the term "big bang theory" was originally coined to ridicule the belief that the universe was created by a giant explosion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025
First children have also often been the subject of ridicule and bullying.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
In this new dispensation where might makes right, any appeal to moral considerations in the practice of American foreign policy is ridiculed as a deficiency of the weak while the amoral exercise of power is venerated as a virtue of the strong.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ridicule
Noun
While Boone has taken the Yankees to the playoffs in all but one season, 2023, his lack of a ring has earned him ridicule over the years.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025
First children have also often been the subject of ridicule and bullying.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
He was often ridiculed by contemporaries, including renowned adherents of the Nation of Islam such as Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali, as being too actively focused on integration and too passively focused on Black empowerment, critiques of the Black political establishment that persist today.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
In this new dispensation where might makes right, any appeal to moral considerations in the practice of American foreign policy is ridiculed as a deficiency of the weak while the amoral exercise of power is venerated as a virtue of the strong.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 26 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
-
Constance, the policy consultant, says his 29-year-old daughter had joined other liberal family members in mocking him over his participation in NatalCon.—
Meena Duerson,
CNN Money,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Altman mocked Musk by making a counter-offer to buy X for $9.7 billion.—
Jibin Joseph,
PC Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Observers called it the perfect mix of effectiveness and disdain.—
Duncan Alexander,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Maher, a lifelong liberal and longtime critic of Trump, has never held back on his disdain for the Republican president’s actions and policies.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
That Veja wanted to shorten the chain was met with surprise, derision and even anger.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
4 Apr. 2025
-
On Sunday night at Northwest Stadium, even those die-hards branded with doubt and derision for years counted their blessings.—
Ben Standig,
The Athletic,
30 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Her smile and laughter could light up a room, and draw you closer to her.—
Sara Vallone,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2025
-
The throwback clip was full of classic sibling squabbling and laughter as the pair prepared carrot cake.—
Staff Author,
People.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ridicule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridicule. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share