1
as in joke
a person or thing that is made fun of after yet another last place finish, the team became nothing more than a derision to all but its most loyal fans

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2
as in ridicule
the making of unkind jokes as a way of showing one's scorn for someone or something their absurd behavior on the awards show became a source of derision for comedians

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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 derision Most public charging warnings are met with a fair amount of cyber derision. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 On social media, news of his passing was met with apathy and derision by younger people who never knew him as a champion, only as a right-wing punchline. John Devore, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025 In this case, the assertion this month by the Justice Department and the FBI that the Epstein case was over and done with was met by derision and disbelief among some of the president's most loyal supporters. USA Today, 20 July 2025 Any such derision did not hinder the show’s success. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for derision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derision
Noun
  • Though the movie is accessible to new fans, there are plenty of winks and nods for diehards who can understand what might seem, to the uninitiated, like cheesy moments—a cringeworthy English rap verse, a scene parodying the product placement in K-dramas—as self-aware jokes.
    Yvonne Kim, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
  • That means having to cut jokes that don't fit his do-no-harm MO.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In 2023, Williams remained confident about his nail art despite ridicule from online trolls.
    Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
  • In the midst of success, the famous parents have faced ridicule and been at the center of tabloid fodder.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Doing Your College Research Start by researching actual employment outcomes for specific programs at target schools.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Sagapolutele’s top targets have been UNLV senior transfer wide receiver Jacob De Jesus (17 catches, 141 yards, TD), sophomore tight end Mason Mini (13-99, 2 TDs) and senior wide receiver Trond Grizzell (11-175, TD).
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Traditional software is often cheaper, faster and more reliable when a solution is rules-based and needs fool-proof outputs.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Here’s why the whole enterprise might be a fool’s errand.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Derision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derision. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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