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 That notion, derided by Hoyle, had already evolved from its original meaning. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025 Hegseth's decision was quickly and sharply derided by members of the media and proponents of a free press, who noted that pre-approval of reportable material would limit the ability of reporters to provide vital news to the public about America's military. Quil Lawrence, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025 At the same time, Walden is leading a BTS effort to create a pathway to get Kimmel back on the air as protestors take to the streets and the suspension is widely derided as an attack on the First Amendment and free speech. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025 Perry is sometimes derided for his work, but his billion-dollar empire speaks for itself. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deride
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deride
Verb
  • Claiming victimhood was a cop-out; those who made accusations of assault were ridiculed.
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Beyond this, there has been a significant amount of backlash on social media, as users have ridiculed the move by Austin.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The principal of a Chicago elementary school that employs a teacher who appeared to mock the assassination of Charlie Kirk apparently portrayed the educator as a victim amid backlash over her behavior.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • He has already been known to privately mock conservative pastors.
    Rev. Nathan Empsall, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deride.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deride. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deride

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