ridicule

1 of 2

noun

rid·​i·​cule ˈri-də-ˌkyül 

: the act of ridiculing : derision, mockery

ridicule

2 of 2

verb

ridiculed; ridiculing

transitive verb

: to make fun of

ridiculer noun

Synonyms of ridicule

Noun

• contempt
• disdain
• derision
• laughter

Verb

• mock

Choose the Right Synonym for ridicule

ridicule, deride, mock, taunt mean to make an object of laughter of.

ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

the other kids mocked the way he laughed

taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge.

hometown fans taunted the visiting team

Examples of ridicule in a Sentence

Noun

She didn't show anyone her artwork for fear of ridicule.

the early efforts by the suffragists to obtain voting rights for women were met with ridicule

Verb

The other kids ridiculed him for the way he dressed.

They ridiculed all of her suggestions.

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Verb

For example, 'Blazing Saddles' and 'All in the Family' confronted bigotry by ridiculing prejudice. — Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Multiple hospital stays became fodder for school bullies, who also ridiculed his size. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French or Latin; French, from Latin ridiculum jest

First Known Use

Noun

1675, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1680, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ridicule

• figure of ridicule
• hold (someone) up to (public) ridicule
• self-ridicule
• subject/object of ridicule

Rhymes for ridicule

• minuscule
• molecule
• overrule
• poiseuille
• reticule
• vestibule
• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule
• footstool

Kids Definition

ridicule

1 of 2 noun

rid·​i·​cule ˈrid-ə-ˌkyü(ə)l 

: the act of making fun of someone or something : derision

ridicule

2 of 2 verb

ridiculed; ridiculing

: to make fun of : deride

ridiculer noun