DERIDE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'deride' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of deride are mock , ridicule , and taunt . While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule. // derided their efforts to start their own business

Q: In what contexts can 'mock' take the place of 'deride'?

The words mock and deride can be used in similar contexts, but mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference. // youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

Q: When can 'ridicule' be used instead of 'deride'?

While the synonyms ridicule and deride are close in meaning, ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling. // consistently ridiculed everything she said

Q: When might 'taunt' be a better fit than 'deride'?

The words taunt and deride are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge. // hometown fans taunted the visiting team

deride

verb

di-ˈrīd

Definition of deride next

as in to ridicule

to make (someone or something) the object of unkind laughter my brothers derided our efforts, but were forced to eat their words when we won first place

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word deride distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of deride are mock, ridicule, and taunt. While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

In what contexts can mock take the place of deride?

The words mock and deride can be used in similar contexts, but mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

When can ridicule be used instead of deride?

While the synonyms ridicule and deride are close in meaning, ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

When might taunt be a better fit than deride?

The words taunt and deride are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge.

hometown fans taunted the visiting team

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 deride Trump had long gone after Powell, deriding, berating and threatening to fire the ex-Fed chair. —

Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 1 June 2026 In his own remarks, Sarnecki touted his and Eakins’ private-sector experience and derided Masterson’s track record as that of a career politician. —

Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2026 Since its introduction nearly a century ago, the levy has been derided by the oil industry, the auto industry, AAA, trucking and manufacturing interests, and coalitions of governors. —

Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026 Her husband manipulates her, her best friend hates her, her sister derides her; her entire existence is thin and precarious. —

Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for deride

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deride

Verb

Critics were quick to ridicule the new hire.

— Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 29 May 2026
When Pete Buttigieg floated a 15-member Supreme Court during his 2020 presidential campaign, for example, he was properly ridiculed by institutionalists.

— Washington Post Editorial Board, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026