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 that won’t happen if efforts to lower taxes are met with derision, and the notion that tax breaks only benefit the very rich. — Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 15 July 2026

Many who do discuss it have had their lives ruined by that derision. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026

Not all the derision was from the online peanut gallery. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 3 June 2026

Cassie’s OnlyFans adventures, for interest, were depicted with a kind of sneering derision toward the character’s poor judgement and lack of savvy. — Alison Herman, Variety, 1 June 2026