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 ridiculeVerb
The other kids ridiculed him for the way he dressed.
They ridiculed all of her suggestions.
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Noun
In 2023, Williams remained confident about his nail art despite ridicule from online trolls.—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025 In the midst of success, the famous parents have faced ridicule and been at the center of tabloid fodder.—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
His sophomore slump was ridiculed as his completion percentage dropped and his interception percentage rose.—Aaron Heisen, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2025 Wednesday ridicules Pugsley for making a zombie.—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridicule
Word History
Etymology
Noun
French or Latin; French, from Latin ridiculum jest
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