derisive
adjective
de·ri·sive
di-ˈrī-siv 
-ziv;
-ˈri-ziv,
-ˈri-siv
: expressing or causing contemptuous ridicule or scorn : expressing or causing derision
derisive laughter
Given such follies …, it's easy to be derisive of Jerry Lewis …—
James Wolcott
James Wolcott
derisively
adverb
derisiveness
noun
Examples of derisive in a Sentence
the derisive performances of some of the singers on the talent show
Recent Examples on the Web
Trump posted Friday on social media, using a derisive nickname for Powell.
—Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 7 June 2025
What makes some films feel real and others like sham products, worthy only of that derisive term content?
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 7 May 2025
Groups opposed to the former governor have already cut ads portraying Mr. Cuomo as disrespectful and derisive to the Black community, according to a Democratic operative familiar with them.
—Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
The movie was met with stone silence for most of the running time, eventually turning to derisive laughter.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for derisive
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Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 7 June 2025
What makes some films feel real and others like sham products, worthy only of that derisive term content?
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 7 May 2025
Groups opposed to the former governor have already cut ads portraying Mr. Cuomo as disrespectful and derisive to the Black community, according to a Democratic operative familiar with them.
—Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
The movie was met with stone silence for most of the running time, eventually turning to derisive laughter.
—Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for derisive
Cite this Entry
“Derisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derisive. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.
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