Synonyms of deride

deride

verb

di-ˈrīd 

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

• ridicule
• mock
• jeer
• taunt
• tease
• jibe
• gibe
• laugh (at)
• parody
• make fun of
• scout
• imitate
• poke fun at
• disparage
• rag on
• make sport of
• skewer
• shoot down
• belittle
• harass
• decry
• scorn
• torment
• cock snooks (at)
• target
• cock a snook (at)
• scoff (at)
• pooh-pooh
• bad-mouth
• satirize
• mimic
• sneer (at)
• pester
• pooh
• heckle
• lampoon
• rag
• razz
• twit
• tweak
• rally
• caricature
• ride
• bait
• pillory
• jive
• needle
• rib
• ape
• kid
• bug
• put down
• take off (on)
• quiz
• parrot
• chaff
• harry
• josh
• catcall
• burlesque
• hassle
• travesty
• barrack

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• endorse
• commend
• applaud
• indorse
• sanction

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

Recent Examples of deride

Trump has repeatedly derided some of the nation’s largest cities, which are run by Democrats, mostly with Black mayors and majority-minority populations. —Dave Goldiner, Boston Herald, 25 Aug. 2025

It will be derided, defended, laughed at, and — who knows? —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025

Critics, particularly from libertarian and fiscally conservative think tanks, have long derided the plan as overly ambitious and unnecessary. —Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Carr’s stated emphasis on rebuilding trust in media is a stark break from past FCC leaders, and has been welcomed by conservative activists and derided by Democratic lawmakers in equal measure. —Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 24 July 2025

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