deride

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 Perry is sometimes derided for his work, but his billion-dollar empire speaks for itself. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025 Videos that are fake are believed to be real; videos that are real can easily be derided as fake. Andrew R. Chow, Time, 12 Sep. 2025 Victims’ attorneys had previously derided the church’s bankruptcy declaration, as well as its subsequent efforts to set up a financial trust for paying out settlements, accusing diocese leaders of trying to shrink the dollar amount owed to each survivor. Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025 Patriotism wasn’t derided back then, and the idea that the country needed to step up efforts to keep its citizens safe was paramount. Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deride
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deride
Verb
  • The show opened with a skit mocking Hegseth, portrayed by comedian Colin Jost, ridiculing the Defense Secretary's address to military leaders in Quantico, Virginia, last week.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
  • She was ridiculed in online forums and on at least one radio show, and dismissed by a Michigan State Police dispatcher who likely didn't even send out a patrol car.
    NEAL RUBIN, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The ability to criticize, question, protest, and even mock those in power is foundational to what America has always aspired to be.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
  • After the White House meeting, the president posted a cartoonish fake video mocking the Democratic leadership that was widely viewed as unserious and racist.
    Mary Clare Jalonick, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deride.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deride. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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