Definition of derisionnext
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

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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

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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 derision This effort to throttle transparency of a project that is already the subject of international derision is incomprehensible as well as offensive to the public’s right to know. Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 10 Feb. 2026 But the derision coming as a result of what Darnold has accomplished in Seattle is ultimately misguided. Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 In the 222 years since declaring its independence, the Caribbean country and its people has consistently found itself as the target of American derision—from Thomas Jefferson’s refusal to acknowledge Haiti's independence to Trump’s inaccurate depiction of Haitians. Ruth Jean-Marie, Time, 3 Feb. 2026 Six-time Super Bowl champion head coach Bill Belichick being denied a first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a stunning decision that has mostly earned derision. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for derision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derision
Noun
  • Its massive size even became the subject of a joke in the film High Society, in which the actress chose to wear her real-life ring instead of a prop one.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
  • My sister got these jokes and these hands.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Clinton later faced impeachment proceedings in December 1998, while Lewinsky became a global target of ridicule and humiliation.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The movement has gained traction on social media, leading to demonization and ridicule.
    Devika Rao, TheWeek, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The new Type-12, however, would provide Japan with counter-strike or pre-emptive strike capabilities to hit targets from its shores.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The home team outshot the Summit 20-6, including a 6-2 edge in shots on target.
    Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Only fools would think differently.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Who’s fool enough to tie up girls who are double jointed and flexible enough to fling their feet up to the height of a man’s neck?
    Jada Yuan, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Derision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derision. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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