jeer 1 of 2

Definition of jeernext
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

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
With boos and jeers ringing around Expo Idaho at the referees, AC Boise continued to pepper the Portland box with dangerous crosses and shots. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026 Tel Aviv — A wave of jeers greeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel’s parliament prepared for a blitz of controversial legislation in the government’s closing days. Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Verb
When the visitors' lineup and Skubal were shown on the videoboard and his name was announced before the first pitch, most of the crowd at Comerica Park clapped for the two-time Cy Young Award winner while some jeered him. ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 Once a lawyerly panel, a takeover by a trio of conservatives deeply mistrustful of the state’s voting system has turned the board’s once mundane meetings into boisterous events packed with crowds of cheering and jeering activists. Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jeer
Noun
  • The class had been quiet after the camp text, but now there was at least one snort.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
  • The Rodents of Unusual Size that attack Westley in a swamp work because they are played by small men in rodent suits, rather than coolly conjured from pixels; their deliberate artifice is the thrill, and Reiner provided the voice for their hideous snorts.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • De Paul’s behavior was both comedic fodder and an opportunity for English and Spanish-language pundits and content creators to ridicule his lack of awareness.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Democrats found plenty to ridicule about Dallas 2026, from the strategic absence of most swing-seat GOP candidates to the empty tier of seats that the president pretended not to see.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Monica Bellucci’s sneer is a thing of wonder, so why have so few directors used it properly?
    Jay Weissberg, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The film’s sincerity — the quality critics praised most — was met with a sneer rather than a response.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Last year, the Brewers finished five games in front of the Cubs and then eliminated their big-market rival in October, celebrating with an L flag in their team photo, mocking a Wrigley Field tradition.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • After Allied forces invaded Normandy, the cover of this magazine was mocked up in Bayeux-style stitching.
    John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Orion gave a smirk and thumbs up to the camera while Keats made a funny face and stuck his tongue out.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
  • His trademark smirk and knowing stare are now feared by any opponent up against Norway, but don’t be fooled into thinking Haaland isn’t serious about his career.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • There were times in the second half when boos and plenty of groans were heard inside Old Trafford.
    Chris McKenna, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Eventually, overwhelming boos from the rest of the crowd directed at the people fighting, and then security arrived to handle it.
    David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • As executed, the 2019 show is an emotional yet refreshingly unsentimental black comedy that snickers in the face of empowerment buzzwords like, well, healing journey.
    Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Classic cookies come in 11 flavors like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, snicker doodle, white chocolate macadamia nut, fruity pebbles, monster and white chocolate cranberry.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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