1
as in joke
a person or thing that is made fun of after yet another last place finish, the team became nothing more than a derision to all but its most loyal fans

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2
as in ridicule
the making of unkind jokes as a way of showing one's scorn for someone or something their absurd behavior on the awards show became a source of derision for comedians

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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 derision Most public charging warnings are met with a fair amount of cyber derision. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 Any such derision did not hinder the show’s success. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025 In this case, the assertion this month by the Justice Department and the FBI that the Epstein case was over and done with was met by derision and disbelief among some of the president's most loyal supporters. USA Today, 20 July 2025 His inconsistent fitness has been a source of derision and criticism. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for derision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derision
Noun
  • Following Colbert’s ongoing jokes at the president’s expense, Trump has celebrated the talk show’s demise.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2025
  • What connects them is the cleverness of the writing and the ability of their actors to sell even the silliest of jokes.
    Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Instagram, Snapchat, Roblox, and other platforms have rolled out their own protections, following much ridicule over the dangers of apps.
    Anna Halkidis, Parents, 30 July 2025
  • Online discussions veer between judgement, analysis, support and ridicule.
    Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • When is the next Starship launch from Starbase, Texas? SpaceX plans to conduct the 10th flight test of its Starship spacecraft Sunday, Aug. 24, with a target liftoff time of 7:30 p.m.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The designation raises the possibility that the cartel could become a direct target of U.S. military action if chosen so by Trump.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Some might say the goal of a nuclear-free world is a fool’s errand.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Trying to avoid every dip and pullback is a fool’s errand.
    Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Derision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derision. Accessed 30 Aug. 2025.

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