taunt 1 of 2

taunt

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word taunt distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of taunt are deride, mock, and ridicule. While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge.

hometown fans taunted the visiting team

When could deride be used to replace taunt?

The words deride and taunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

When would mock be a good substitute for taunt?

Although the words mock and taunt have much in common, mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

In what contexts can ridicule take the place of taunt?

The synonyms ridicule and taunt are sometimes interchangeable, but ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

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 taunt
Verb
Haliburton borrowed Miller’s choking taunt in Game 1. Jason Jones, New York Times, 1 June 2025 The series became personal for many Knicks fans after Game 1, when Tyrese Haliburton capped a 17-point comeback with a game-tying buzzer beater to force overtime, then unleashed the choke taunt made famous by Reggie Miller in the same building back in 1994. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025
Noun
Stef proves to be a loyal pal to Andy, often taunting her about accidentally kissing Mikey instead of Brand. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025 Protesters taunt Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies on Hunsaker Ave. CBS News, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for taunt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taunt
Verb
  • Affectionately, the 35-year-old pop star is not known for setting or chasing trends, instead using fashion to tease new musical eras or evoke a sense of girl-next-door relatability.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 29 June 2025
  • The historic broadcast network began teasing the multiple Emmy winner’s birthday as early as June 13.
    Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • But the road to that reality has been anything but smooth, with a rally last week in Castle Rock decrying the move, a tense town hall meeting at county headquarters that ended in shouts and jeers — and a lawsuit attempting to shut the whole thing down.
    John Aguilar, Denver Post, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • And of course, that following Sunday, Oliver did indeed mock his corporate bosses for the move.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 8 July 2025
  • Many wanted Tiger to comment, but others chose to mock Williams.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • Yungblud’s voice — a piercing yelp that exists somewhere between Gerard Way’s wail and Brian Molko’s sneer — slotted him in the alt-rock world, but his aspirations seemed to stretch far beyond that categorization.
    Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2025
  • His voice—typically pitched between a bellow and a sneer—was instantly recognizable to the couple that night.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Under it, anyone who defames, insults or threatens the King, Queen, heir apparent, or regent faces three to 15 years in prison.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 26 June 2025
  • To suggest that the lawsuit is a look into the past insults understatement, and in the process calls into question the worth of the FTC.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Co-written by Mustard, the searing Drake diss spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100, swept all five of its Grammy nominations, and became the first-ever rap song to spend 52 consecutive weeks on Billboard’s marquee singles chart.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 9 June 2025
  • If an artist could successfully sue over a diss, would that bring about the last of label-supported (and thus widely heard) diss records?
    Touré, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Roy Keane’s ‘prawn sandwiches’ jibe had interesting origins.
    Michael Walker, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
  • But even some Republicans weren’t happy with the nasty gibe.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Auctioneers offered dry quips in their light mocking of the clientele.
    Emma Bowman, NPR, 23 June 2025
  • Tammy Bruce made the quip during an appearance last month on the Israeli TV show i24 News.
    Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Taunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taunt. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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