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 And then there’s the A18 Pro processor, the component that has drawn the most derision among the geekerati. Dwight Silverman, Houston Chronicle, 28 Mar. 2026 But with the derision came waves of real praise, like Nirvana’s frontman citing their album in his journals as one of his favorite records, and the demand to participate in tribute concerts and, for Dorothy, even to record new material. Chris Willman, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026 Two of the tributes to stars who died in the past year, Rob Reiner and Robert Redford, referenced their politics, and their ability to have an impact even if their activism was prone to derision on the right. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 Mar. 2026 As the years went on, many challenges were increasingly viewed with derision, including a photo shoot in which contestants were made up to be different races and another in which a contestant whose mother had been shot and paralyzed was made to pose as a gunshot victim. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for derision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derision
Noun
  • Just ask Harris, whose handling of the border under Biden became a running joke in politics.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 14 May 2026
  • Now, if there’s some people telling these jokes at a church service, that would be one thing.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Commercials that show more diversity in family groups and romantic partners, including same-sex couples and interracial families, may over time decrease the ridicule and discrimination experienced by those who are living in nontraditional family settings.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
  • Many parents are afraid to go on the record against a school or coach for fear of retribution against their son or daughter, so for a teenager to go out on the limb and put himself up to possible ridicule was both stunning and courageous.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Impressed by the results, Siebert Williams Shank analyst Gabriele Sorbara reiterated a buy rating on Diamondback Energy stock with a price target of $224.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 10 May 2026
  • Neither was being outshot 31 to 5 (14 to 1, on target).
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Here are three fool-proof tips to stay ahead of the curve during the volatility to come.
    Solo Ceesay, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2026
  • The Quince Revive Nylon Crescent Shoulder Bag is just $32, but don’t let its affordable price fool you.
    Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Derision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derision. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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