jeer

1 of 2

verb

ˈjir 

jeered; jeering; jeers

intransitive verb

: to speak or cry out with derision or mockery

a jeering mob

transitive verb

: to deride with mocking and insulting remarks or sounds : taunt

was jeered by the crowd when he tried to speak

jeerer noun

jeeringly

ˈjir-iŋ-lē 

adverb

jeer

2 of 2

noun

: a mocking and insulting remark or sound : taunt

the jeers of the crowd

Synonyms

Verb

• ridicule
• mock

Noun

• snort
• sneer
• smirk
• boo
• snicker

Choose the Right Synonym for jeer

scoff, jeer, gibe, fleer, sneer, flout mean to show one's contempt in derision or mockery.

scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

Examples of jeer in a Sentence

Verb

He tried to ignore the jeering crowd.

The crowd jeered him when he struck out.

The prisoner was jeered by an angry mob.

Noun

ignored the jeers of the other team's fans and just focused on making her free throw shot

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The strike’s deadliest episode happened July 7 at 49th and Loomis streets, where several thousand people jeered and threw rocks at the Illinois National Guard. —Robert Loerzel, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025

Kraft’s remarks drew such a harsh reaction from part of the crowd, with onlookers standing up, jeering and shouting in his direction, that an event organizer had to go on to the stage to settle things down and warn against future interruptions. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 29 May 2025

Noun

And while both teams seem to be better off for the move, with each leading their respective divisions, Yankee fans are likely going to welcome Soto's return with boos and jeers. —Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025

Seemingly every time Messi touched the ball, the crowd reacted in unison, more so with cheers than jeers. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 16 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb

1561, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1625, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for jeer

• beer
• bier
• cheer
• clear
• dear
• deer
• drear
• ear
• fear
• fier
• gear
• hear

Kids Definition

jeer

verb

ˈji(ə)r

: to laugh at or criticize someone in a loud and angry way

jeer noun