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 On social media, news of his passing was met with apathy and derision by younger people who never knew him as a champion, only as a right-wing punchline. John Devore, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025 In this case, the assertion this month by the Justice Department and the FBI that the Epstein case was over and done with was met by derision and disbelief among some of the president's most loyal supporters. USA Today, 20 July 2025 Any such derision did not hinder the show’s success. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025 But his derision toward Latino classmates is well-documented — in his own words. Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for derision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derision
Noun
  • Related Stories Farrelly thinks that kind of oppressive political correctness is fading and that audiences are eager to see movies that eviscerate good taste in order to land a joke again.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
  • What started as a joke soon turned into a tourism draw that put Lajitas on the map.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The internet faced ridicule for its impractical nature during its initial development phase.
    Sadhasivam Mohanadas, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • When asked about funny memories with the cast — which included the likes of Viggo Mortensen, Elijah Wood, Liv Tyler, and Ian McKellen — Bloom said that his glamorous elf warrior, Legolas, was subject to great ridicule among his costars.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Not in our communities, but protecting assets & high priority targets downtown so that our @Chicago_Police don’t have to babysit the Bean or Buckingham Fountain for eight hours a day.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The fear of becoming a target will often be enough to induce compliance in advance.
    Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Where that show’s boss (played by Steve Carell) was a bit of an inappropriate fool, Gleeson’s character is more idealistic.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
  • These jokers in Indianapolis acting the fool.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 27 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Derision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derision. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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