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

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

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