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 The move was derided by Jackson’s opponents, most notably Kentucky Senator Henry Clay. —

Mikayla Bunnell, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026 Throughout the conflict, The Free Press wrote from an unambiguously pro-Israeli point of view, deriding both pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses and the coverage of the war in mainstream outlets, including this magazine. —

Clare Malone, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026 In evaluating the building’s future, Dallas might consider the example of New York’s Penn Station, a monumental work of architecture derided as dilapidated in the 1960s, and torn down for a development including an arena. —

Mark Lamster architecture Critic, Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan. 2026 The aftermath of a Clasico is always about crowning decisive winners and deriding significant losers. —

Michael Cox, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deride

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deride

Verb

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was ridiculed by the British media, criticized for defending his friendship with Epstein and accused of failing to convey empathy for Epstein's victims.

— NBC News, NBC news, 19 Feb. 2026
Comedian and talk show host Jimmy Failla ridiculed Ocasio-Cortez about the Venezuela error, while also making fun of her claims about being from the Bronx.

— Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 17 Feb. 2026