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 Some fans have derided the breaks for turning soccer from a game played in two halves to one played in four quarters. —

Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026 Though financially successful, Scott's medieval historical epic about the events leading up to the Third Crusade and the complex relationship between Christians and Muslims was derided by critics, many of whom struggled with the fractured narrative and convoluted character arcs. —

Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026 Though the bot sometimes suggested calling helplines, the lawsuit alleges that GPT-4o mostly allowed Alice space to fixate on her dark thoughts, in one instance even deriding suicide hotlines after Alice rejected the idea of calling one. —

Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 11 June 2026 Critics derided the move, given their lack of traditional management experience. —

Sean Gregory, Time, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deride

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deride

Verb

For example, 'Blazing Saddles' and 'All in the Family' confronted bigotry by ridiculing prejudice.

— Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Multiple hospital stays became fodder for school bullies, who also ridiculed his size.

— Erin Jensen, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Definition of ridicule

Verb

In the weeks leading up to the June 26 release of the film, men mocked 26-year-old Alcock’s appearance across social media.

— Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026
Each sketch was packed with mocking details, such as long red ties, Big Macs and lots and lots of gold, to drive home her point.

— Jan Ellen Spiegel, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026