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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 derision The final decision from Glenn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though, may deserve even more derision given how his team’s game against the Broncos and their ferocious, inevitable pass rush had unfolded. Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 Much of the derision was coming from the performers’ contemporaries — some of whom had rejected the invite on moral and political grounds, but many who were not actually invited to perform. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2025 Comment sections flooded with puns and derision ranging from the creative to the cruel. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025 Ladapo’s potent derision of vaccine mandates sparked a near-instant deluge of reaction and vigorous disagreement, including from infectious disease experts. Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for derision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derision
Noun
  • Expect conversations that catch you off-guard, and jokes that turn into shocking revelations.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The Special Olympics are not amused after Kid Rock used an ableist slur while making a joke in a recent Fox News interview.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With this song, YOASOBI sings about continuing to dance on stage and committing to their roles, even without applause or in the face of ridicule.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
  • But things soon turned acrimonious following the birth of their two sons, Preston and Jayden, leading to years of infighting over custody out of concern for Spears’ mental health and his ridicule as a public figure.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Nvidia did not disclose any financial investment, timeline, or training targets, and did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Advertisement As the world fails to meet its 2025 Paris Agreement target, climate leaders from across industries are working overtime to make up for the lack of global governmental action.
    Erin McMullen, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Since medieval times, the colorful fool—from court jesters to Shakespeare’s characters—has used playful wit to critique authority and buffoonery to whip up excitement.
    Time, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Don’t let the record fool you – Timber Creek is a competitive opponent that has faced a rough schedule.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Derision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derision. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on derision

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!