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 Trump has derided the outlets as being unfavorable to him and a drain on taxpayer money. Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2025 Some say an Easter basket isn't complete without Peeps while others deride them as being indestructible. CBS News, 15 Apr. 2025 Following the flight, Emily Ratajkowski went on to slam the flight, while some TikTok comedians mocked the way the flight crew talked about their achievements, poking fun at how Perry floated in space and deriding Blue Origin's billionaire and celebrity connections. Sam Gillette, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025 And, just as quickly, they were derided for their tendency to disintegrate into a mushy mess. Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deride
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deride
Verb
  • This was baffling to many observers, including this one, and was widely ridiculed, even receiving a friendly jab from rival, Peacock.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • The former lawmaker from Hawaii used her perch at Fox to defend Trump from negative headlines and to ridicule her former party over its vision for the country.
    Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Similarly, this administration has mocked the constitutional process of due process, whereby the accused get their day in court.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 9 May 2025
  • Crockett has been outspokenly opposed to Republican efforts to keep trans athletes out of women's and girls' sports, even previously mocking Americans who claim to have been impacted.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deride.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deride. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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