Synonyms of jeer

jeer 1 of 2

noun

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

• snort
• sneer
• smirk
• boo
• snicker
• hiss
• razz
• taunt
• catcall
• raspberry
• hoot
• Bronx cheer
• bird
• snigger
• whistle
• gibe
• put-down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cheer
• applause
• clapping

jeer

2 of 2

verb

ˈjir 

as in to ridicule

to make (someone or something) the object of unkind laughter

the unforgiving crowd jeered the magician when the final trick went awry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ridicule
• mock
• taunt
• deride
• tease
• gibe
• laugh (at)
• parody
• make fun of
• scout
• rag on
• poke fun at
• make sport of
• skewer
• shoot down
• scorn
• harass
• imitate
• torment
• disparage
• belittle
• heckle
• decry
• cock snooks (at)
• scoff (at)
• cock a snook (at)
• target
• sneer (at)
• razz
• bad-mouth
• pooh-pooh
• rag
• pester
• twit
• rally
• satirize
• mimic
• rib
• bait
• catcall
• caricature
• jive
• quiz
• ride
• kid
• lampoon
• pillory
• tweak
• parrot
• harry
• needle
• ape
• chaff
• take off (on)
• bug
• put down
• josh
• burlesque
• hassle
• barrack
• travesty

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• commend
• endorse
• applaud
• sanction

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

Recent Examples of jeer

Noun

As his father read drafts of the Declaration of Independence, William was carted off, to jeers and insults. —Stacy Schiff, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025

Throughout the weekend, McIlroy and other European players sparred with fans, provoking the Irish golfer in at least one instance to yell back at the crowd, while others flashed middle fingers in response to the jeers. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025

Verb

Hundreds of protestors jeered Netanyahu from the street outside the UN secretariat. —Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025

People jeer at the fighters and each other. —Matthew Shen Goodman, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025