Definition of derisionnext
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 No Liverpool or Manchester United manager has faced derision or hostility on anything like the scale that, to cite just two examples, Ange Postecoglou and Liam Rosenior faced within weeks of taking over at Nottingham Forest and Chelsea this season. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 11 May 2026 But those days might also inspire plenty of derision from critics, especially on the conservative side, still furious over school closures and other lockdowns that shuttered businesses. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 6 May 2026 At the time, Turner’s decision was met with derision around the majors. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 May 2026 And then there’s the A18 Pro processor, the component that has drawn the most derision among the geekerati. Dwight Silverman, Houston Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for derision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derision
Noun
  • As the escape-room activity kicks off — the guests have 30 minutes to find Aesha’s crew — the boys find plenty of opportunity to make insinuating jokes about tying up the girls, some (Coop) more wholesome than others (Luke).
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026
  • And as a distant relative jokes, many can be found on mortgages, loans and other debts.
    Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • That vision became a target of ridicule — and eventually a joke among the fanbase — when the plan failed to produce a second championship-level core.
    Jannelle Moore, Mercury News, 28 June 2026
  • That means that in teams where people felt safe to share ideas and make mistakes, with little fear of ridicule or retribution, there was significantly higher productivity, a lower rate of turnover, more innovation and much more engagement.
    Leeza Carlone Steindorf, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The $160 billion global functional drinks market has become an increasingly lucrative category, encompassing multipurpose drinks that claim to promise taste and enjoyment alongside wellness benefits, as consumers look for convenient ways to meet their health targets.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 28 June 2026
  • Tel Aviv — The small drones cruise – undetected – over the skies of southern Lebanon and northern Israel, searching for targets.
    Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • Don’t let the cream’s $8 price tag fool you; the anti-aging find tackles fine lines, wrinkles, and clogged pores, all while being gentle enough for all skin types.
    Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 21 June 2026
  • This is an ignoble war making monsters and fools out of its participants, and against the uncontrollable weapons that are dragons, everyone’s resolve is crumbling.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Derision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derision. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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