Synonyms of derision

derision

noun

di-ˈri-zhən 

1

as in joke

a person or thing that is made fun of

after yet another last place finish, the team became nothing more than a derision to all but its most loyal fans

Synonyms & Similar Words

• joke
• target
• fool
• mockery
• mock
• victim
• butt
• jest
• sport
• laughingstock
• mark
• monkey
• pigeon
• sucker
• gull
• chump
• sap
• fall guy
• dupe

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• favorite
• pet
• darling

2

as in ridicule

the making of unkind jokes as a way of showing one's scorn for someone or something

their absurd behavior on the awards show became a source of derision for comedians

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ridicule
• contempt
• disdain
• laughter
• mockery
• scorn
• insult
• disparagement
• satire
• sport
• belittlement
• deprecation
• caricature
• mimicry
• snickering
• catcall
• burlesque
• put-down
• pasquinade

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approval
• praise
• applause
• commendation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of derision

But yet, Scalia didn’t have the scorn, the contempt, the derision. — NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026

Marvel When Disney announced its Infinity Vision certification brand a few months ago, it was met with some confusion and derision. — Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Despite some derision, the competitions have continued as participants embrace the absurdity and young people seek connection. — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Plus, Cunningham is in her eighth WNBA season, roughly twice the length of the average player’s career, and Hill still found her accomplishments worthy of derision. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026