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
• gibe
• laugh (at)
• parody
• make fun of
• scout
• poke fun at
• disparage
• rag on
• make sport of
• imitate
• skewer
• shoot down
• belittle
• harass
• decry
• scorn
• torment
• cock snooks (at)
• target
• cock a snook (at)
• scoff (at)
• pooh-pooh
• bad-mouth
• satirize
• sneer (at)
• mimic
• pester
• heckle
• lampoon
• rag
• razz
• twit
• tweak
• rally
• caricature
• ride
• pillory
• bait
• jive
• needle
• rib
• kid
• ape
• quiz
• bug
• put down
• take off (on)
• parrot
• chaff
• harry
• josh
• catcall
• burlesque
• hassle
• travesty
• barrack

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• endorse
• commend
• applaud
• 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

After years of deriding Mexican inaction on security, the United States appears to have found a willing partner. — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Barnacle said Arrabaca, who repaired Patriot missile systems in the Army from 2001 to 2005, derided ICE with profanities during his arrest. — ABC News, 21 July 2026

The White House last week derided the California rebate initiative. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2026

Though much derided in advance, this expansion of the rubric did mean that Cabo Verde swam into our ken. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026

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