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

Relevance

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
In recent weeks Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira has complained about the clubs pitch, and also received threats and jeers from his own fans, and yet results on the pitch have been steady for the São Paulo outfit. Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025 Boos and jeers continued as the congresswoman tried to speak, prompting her to turn the mic over to someone else and leave the stage. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
De Ligt gobbled up anything aerially to Viktor Gyokeres, much to the enjoyment of United fans, who jeered Arsenal’s new striker when his number came up for substitution. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025 When a Tesla Cybertruck—which has effectively become a symbol of Musk himself—stopped alongside the protest, protestors began jeering. Andrew R. Chow, Time, 13 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
  • His sophomore slump was ridiculed as his completion percentage dropped and his interception percentage rose.
    Aaron Heisen, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Wednesday ridicules Pugsley for making a zombie.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 3 Sep. 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
  • Many on the right have reacted strongly to those perceived to be celebrating or mocking Kirk's death, calling for consequences such as losing their jobs or in Omar's case, being censured.
    Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Comedy Central responded to Kirk’s killing by pulling the episode mocking him from its regular rotation.
    Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Hedda’s smirk speaks volumes as the film flashes back to that fateful night.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
  • One snap was taken from their family outing, showing the 23-year-old sitting with a smirk on his face after blowing out the candles of his cake.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The request was met with boos from some Democrats who pointed out that a Colorado school shooting on the same day had not received the same ceremony.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Trump was greeted with loud cheers from people across the street and a smattering of boos inside, according to social media video and reporters.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 10 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on jeer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!