derisory

de·ri·so·ry

adj \di-ˈrī-sə-rē, -zə-\

Definition of DERISORY

1

: expressing derision : derisive

2

: worthy of derision; especially : laughably small <land could be bought for a derisory sum>

Examples of DERISORY

1. <a literary snob, she invariably used the derisory term “the boob tube” when referring to television>
2. <the pawnbroker offered what I regarded as a derisory amount for the diamond ring>

First Known Use of DERISORY

1618

Related to DERISORY

Synonyms: belittling, contemptuous, decrying, degrading, demeaning, denigrative, denigratory, deprecatory, depreciative, depreciatory, derogatory, derogative, detractive, disdainful, disparaging, pejorative, scornful, slighting, uncomplimentary

Antonyms: commendatory, complimentary, laudative, laudatory

Related Words: aspersing, calumnious, defamatory, insulting, libelous (or libellous), maligning, slandering, slanderous, vilifying; abusive, opprobrious, scurrilous; catty, cruel, despiteful, hateful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, unkind, virulent; critical, denunciative, denunciatory; acrimonious, bitter, envious, jaundiced, jealous, rancorous, resentful; acrid, caustic, scathing, venomous

Near Antonyms: admiring, adulatory, applauding, approving, friendly, positive; appreciative, respectful; kind, kindhearted, kindly, sympathetic, unmalicious, warm, warmhearted

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