derisive
adjective
de·ri·sive
di-ˈrī-siv 
-ziv;
-ˈri-ziv,
-ˈri-siv
: expressing or causing contemptuous ridicule or scorn : expressing or causing derision
derisive laughter
Given such follies …, it's easy to be derisive of Jerry Lewis …—
James Wolcott
James Wolcott
derisively
adverb
derisiveness
noun
Examples of derisive in a Sentence
the derisive performances of some of the singers on the talent show
Recent Examples on the Web
His comment about being the solution drew derisive laughter from some in the audience.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2025
The movie’s historical re-creations, however derisive, are chilling.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2025
Trump posted Friday on social media, using a derisive nickname for Powell.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 7 June 2025
What makes some films feel real and others like sham products, worthy only of that derisive term content?
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for derisive
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Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2025
The movie’s historical re-creations, however derisive, are chilling.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2025
Trump posted Friday on social media, using a derisive nickname for Powell.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 7 June 2025
What makes some films feel real and others like sham products, worthy only of that derisive term content?
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for derisive
Cite this Entry
“Derisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derisive. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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