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
Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, jeers South's peace moves South Korea shut down anti-North propaganda broadcasts, leaflets South Korea's liberal President Lee Jae Myung was elected after her predecessor was expelled for declaring marital law. Jack Kim, USA Today, 28 July 2025 And Dietz was met with jeers and laughs when asserting that the Metro Nashville Police Department had no involvement in the arrests. Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Verb
Kraft’s remarks drew such a harsh reaction from part of the crowd, with onlookers standing up, jeering and shouting in his direction, that an event organizer had to go on to the stage to settle things down and warn against future interruptions. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 29 May 2025 Minutes later, the crowd also jeered Max Verstappen (though a few more cheers for the reigning champ were mixed in). Patrick Iversen, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jeer
Noun
  • The snoring is often interrupted by a long silent period during which breathing stops and then followed by a loud snort and gasp as the patient attempts to breathe.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 July 2025
  • The swine respond with raspy snorts and spine-rattling squeals.
    Bennet Goldstein, jsonline.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • The rapper also allegedly called Gables a homophobic slur and ridiculed his poor hearing.
    Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • At a time when much of the media is bowing to Trump, the opening of the show’s new season ridiculed his megalomania, his intimidation of the media and his manhood.
    Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 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 event’s host, the actress Florence Foresti, openly mocked the movie’s prominence there.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Protestors were seen holding banners and placards expressing their frustration about Vance and the wider U.S. administration, as well as mocking the vice president.
    Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Alan Clarke, executive director of advanced EV development at Ford, sitting next to Field, nodded in agreement while wearing a similar smirk.
    Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Meryl Streep gives Miranda Priestly's infamous smirk while in character on the set of The Devil Wears Prada 2 on Aug. 7 in New York City.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Fried, who also tallied eight hits, one walk, two hit-by-pitches and three strikeouts over 94 pitches, first ran into trouble in the opening inning, as Jose Altuve took him deep for a solo shot following a round of customary boos.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 10 Aug. 2025
  • Common, also known as Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., also praised his boo for her talent, which has earned her EGOT status —a rare accomplishment among many artists.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 5 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • League sources stifle their snickers in public while privately marveling at the owner’s ceaseless stupidity. 3.
    Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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