jeer 1 of 2

as in snort
a vocal sound made to express scorn or disapproval ignored the jeers of the other team's fans and just focused on making her free throw shot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jeer

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word jeer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of jeer are fleer, flout, gibe, scoff, and sneer. While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

When could fleer be used to replace jeer?

In some situations, the words fleer and jeer are roughly equivalent. However, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

In what contexts can flout take the place of jeer?

The words flout and jeer can be used in similar contexts, but flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

Where would gibe be a reasonable alternative to jeer?

While the synonyms gibe and jeer are close in meaning, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

When can scoff be used instead of jeer?

While in some cases nearly identical to jeer, scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

When is it sensible to use sneer instead of jeer?

The words sneer and jeer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

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 jeer
Noun
The message came after his 2015 appearance garnered jeers from the crowd. Elvia Limon - 09, The Hill, 7 Sep. 2025 D’Annunzio jeers at her delusional belief that Il Duce will fund her dream project of a theater not for the wealthy cultural and intellectual elite, but for the Great War’s widows, orphans and veterans. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
Republican Representative Barry Moore of Alabama left a town hall meeting through the back door on Thursday without delivering any closing remarks after being repeatedly booed and jeered by audience members. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 Raging at the decision, the 29-year-old Medvedev sprinted across the court to remonstrate angrily with Allensworth and whipped up a jeering New York crowd. Manasi Pathak, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jeer
Noun
  • The upgraded exhaust system is a delight, burbling happily at idle, accompanying acceleration with a happy snort.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Rapace’s response externalizes four different beats, from a snort to a tear, astonishment to anger.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The show opened with a skit mocking Hegseth, portrayed by comedian Colin Jost, ridiculing the Defense Secretary's address to military leaders in Quantico, Virginia, last week.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 5 Oct. 2025
  • She was ridiculed in online forums and on at least one radio show, and dismissed by a Michigan State Police dispatcher who likely didn't even send out a patrol car.
    NEAL RUBIN, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Jacob sneers, but doesn’t even wait for his son to answer.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The single, meanwhile, is ushered in with a gripping bass line and an undercurrent of keyboards until Osbourne makes his grand vocal entrance, all sneers and snarls.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • The ability to criticize, question, protest, and even mock those in power is foundational to what America has always aspired to be.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Oct. 2025
  • After the White House meeting, the president posted a cartoonish fake video mocking the Democratic leadership that was widely viewed as unserious and racist.
    Mary Clare Jalonick, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • LaRoche, watching from the sixth row, shot a smirk right back to her.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • John Lunn’s soaring score makes shots of Highclere Castle, which stands in for Downton Abbey, particularly magical; Anna Robbins’s luxurious costumes, all satin, lace, and brocade, are once again gorgeous; Nivola’s smirk is a welcome bit of Yankee attitude.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Simply squeeze his left paw to hear this adorable pup sing, or touch his other paw to play peek-a-boo.
    Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Whether they were aimed at their team for squandering a home lead or the officials for the late booking of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who now faces a one-match ban, the smattering of boos at the end of Everton’s 1-1 draw with West Ham on Monday told a story of frustration.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Early never makes fun of Maddie, never lets the audience snicker at the screen.
    Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The carnage leads to a sigh of an epilogue that seems, without giving anything away, like a curious letdown, a cruel little snicker from Aster that doesn’t entirely satisfy.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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