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 Often, our image of a toxic workplace is one where the boss yells at you or perhaps where you’re openly derided by co-workers or denied PTO. Ellen Whitlock Baker, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Earlier this year, when Spotify released a list of contenders for the song of the summer, social media users derided the tracks, and the general state of summer anthems. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025 In the Cardinals media room, Carter stopped himself, realizing that Murray is often derided for his video-game habits, which Carter called nonsense. Doug Haller, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025 It will be derided, defended, laughed at, and — who knows? Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deride
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deride
Verb
  • His sophomore slump was ridiculed as his completion percentage dropped and his interception percentage rose.
    Aaron Heisen, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Wednesday ridicules Pugsley for making a zombie.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While the performative male has been mocked online for appearing inauthentic, Rosen and Park see it as a net positive that men are making an effort to develop genuine taste and veer away from leather recliners with cup holders and T-shirts as pillowcases.
    Viv Chen, Architectural Digest, 9 Sep. 2025
  • His friend Daniel Georges, humorously and wisely played by arthouse favorite Isaach De Bankolé, is a priest who tries to get him on the right track, even sending him articles from the Catholic Worker, only for Robbie to mock him by knocking on the table and asking if God’s inside the linoleum.
    Grace Byron, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deride.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deride. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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