taunt

1 of 2

verb

ˈtȯnt 

ˈtänt

taunted; taunting; taunts

transitive verb

: to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner : jeer at

taunter noun

tauntingly

ˈtȯn-tiŋ-lē 

ˈtän-

adverb

taunt

2 of 2

noun

: a sarcastic challenge or insult

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Taunt vs. Taut

Taunt and taut may easily be confused. The words are similar in spelling and pronunciation, though the resemblance does not extent to their syntax or meanings. Taut is an adjective that is most often used to refer to something that is pulled tight, like "a taut rope," or is bulging or filled to capacity, like "taut muscles." Taunt is a noun and a verb that refers to teasing or making fun of a person. That the two words sound similar creates confusion, and taunt, being the more common word, is sometimes substituted for taut. You can remember the difference between the two by remembering that tight and taut both lack the n of taunt.

Synonyms

Verb

• tease
• mock

Choose the Right Synonym for taunt

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 taunt in a Sentence

Verb

The boys continually taunted each other.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Later, Cano was captured grabbing what appeared to be the DJ’s laptop, taunted the crowd with destroying it, and then flung the device onto the stage platform before stomping on it multiple times, showing off its cracked screen. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2025

After that mistake, Wallace came in with a big hit on a pass at the line of scrimmage, only to be flagged for taunting. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 10 Aug. 2025

Noun

Clips from the premiere quickly spread through social media, with the show’s signature crude humor proving a hit—many were satisfied to see schoolyard taunts used against a president known for punching down. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025

Authorities said the surviving victim purportedly yelled a taunt that is offensive to Sureños gang members at the suspects, who were wearing blue and making gang signs. —Jason Green, Mercury News, 28 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

perhaps from Middle French tenter to try, tempt — more at tempt

First Known Use

Verb

1539, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1527, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for taunt

• daunt
• flaunt
• font
• gaunt
• haunt
• jaunt
• pont
• vaunt
• want
• avant
• croissant
• detente

Kids Definition

taunt

verb

ˈtȯnt,

ˈtänt

: to provoke or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner : jeer at

taunt noun

taunter noun

tauntingly

-iŋ-lē

adverb