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

The director received widespread derision from superhero fans for his comments about Marvel. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 22 May 2026

Maybe overwrought prose or sentences loaded with adverbs will one day draw a little less derision. — Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026

To date, the vast majority of people charged with wrongdoing are of Somali ancestry, a fact that Trump has noted with derision. — Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 21 May 2026

Previous statements doubting Venezuela’s sovereignty over the past 25 years have been met with immediate derision from senior government officials, including the president. — Regina Garcia Cano, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026