DERIDINGLY Synonyms: 152 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

deride 1 of 3

verb (1)

di-ˈrīd

Definition of deride next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deriding

2 of 3

adjective

as in mocking

Related Words

deriding

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of deride

as in ridiculing

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Recent Examples of deride

Verb

Teachers unions, long derided by conservatives as one of the primary vectors of left-wing ideology into public education, have significant influence over the MSBA. —

Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026 Dontzig and Peterman co-wrote 25 episodes of Murphy Brown including its landmark Season 5 opener — a response to then-Vice President Dan Quayle’s remarks deriding the lead character’s decision to have a baby as a single woman. —

Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026

Verb

Throughout the conflict, The Free Press wrote from an unambiguously pro-Israeli point of view, deriding both pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses and the coverage of the war in mainstream outlets, including this magazine. —

Clare Malone, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026 The aftermath of a Clasico is always about crowning decisive winners and deriding significant losers. —

Michael Cox, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deride

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deride

Adjective

To get a sense of his whole deal, look no further than the half-mocking, half-earnest title of his latest album, Country!

— Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2025

Definition of mocking