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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of derision
And his administration has shown derision for Congress, controlled by the president’s own party, approving historically few bills and neglecting those that have passed, such as the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
—
Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
His preference for Paramount was expressed through his derision for CNN.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025
Storytelling is endlessly contested, and recourse to propaganda provokes resistance and derision.
—Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Oddly, Clemente intended it as a term of derision for fruitless, pointless possession play that didn’t go anywhere; his style of football was about getting the ball forward quickly.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for derision
Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026
His preference for Paramount was expressed through his derision for CNN.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025
Storytelling is endlessly contested, and recourse to propaganda provokes resistance and derision.
—Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
Oddly, Clemente intended it as a term of derision for fruitless, pointless possession play that didn’t go anywhere; his style of football was about getting the ball forward quickly.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for derision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derision
Noun
-
Prosecutors maintain the messages showed intent, not a joke or gossip.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
22 Jan. 2026
-
In one scene, Bing Crosby, who plays Tracy’s ex-husband in the movie, jokes about its size.—
Rachel Garrahan,
Vogue,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
With the attention came ridicule and backlash.—
Brian Brant,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Tom Gustafson of Fort Lauderdale, a hard-charging guy and a target of considerable ridicule, placed Broward lawmakers in key leadership posts.—
Steve Bousquet,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Omar has been the target of many GOP attacks in recent years.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
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When Israel launched the surprise war against Iran last summer, the depth of its infiltration became evident when it was revealed that Israeli intelligence agents smuggled weapons into the country and used them to strike high-value targets from within Iranian territory.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Don’t let the cream’s $8 price tag fool you; the anti-aging find tackles fine lines, wrinkles, and clogged pores, all while being gentle enough for all skin types.—
Isabel Bekele,
InStyle,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Don’t let the small exterior fool you.—
Brittany VanDerBill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Derision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derision. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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