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 senator said El Salvador is an independent country and its president isn’t subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Supreme Court, which was followed by jeers in the audience. Jared Gans, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025 But the prevailing mood was one of futility and there were ironic jeers from the Forest fans when Garnacho booted the ball high into the Bridgford Stand 18 minutes from time. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
With the phone still to her ear, Molly is confronted with a vision of herself at seven years old (Annabelle Toomey); the little girl is dancing around the room in a pink ballet leotard and jeering at her adult counterpart. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Others jeer 'How Trump overthrew NeoCon foreign policy establishment from GOP': Burgess Everett intv. The Hill, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jeer
Noun
  • The scenes on set in this episode are all comic gold, from Billy dashing to his tent for generous snorts between takes to a musical number that culminates in Teenjus healing a young man who then tosses his crutches away and breakdances.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Some friends prescribed a healthy snort of bourbon and a trip to the doctor.
    Dave Duffey, Outdoor Life, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This was baffling to many observers, including this one, and was widely ridiculed, even receiving a friendly jab from rival, Peacock.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • The former lawmaker from Hawaii used her perch at Fox to defend Trump from negative headlines and to ridicule her former party over its vision for the country.
    Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • In a movie climate where remakes tend to draw sneers of derision and claims that people have just gotten too lazy to invent anything new, Disney’s remakes of its own products are always a chief target.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
  • But the moralistic sneer didn’t take long to enter the postgame analysis.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Similarly, this administration has mocked the constitutional process of due process, whereby the accused get their day in court.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 9 May 2025
  • Xi’s government has portrayed itself as a resolute defender of the Chinese nation and mocked its opponent.
    Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • In group settings, Edelman was good for a clip on the local news, making a wry joke about his own passing abilities, the opposing team or Brady with a smirk on his face.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 6 May 2025
  • Everyone has always wondered what that smirk was all about from day one.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Lynch’s early attempt to get heat only resulted in cheers, though there were some boos mixed in.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • The Denmark internationals met in the middle of the pitch and embraced, skipping merrily with their arms around each other as City fans’ boos rained down around them.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • League sources stifle their snickers in public while privately marveling at the owner’s ceaseless stupidity. 3.
    Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • So he must be placed in the Apparition section, next to ghosts like John Barron, sharing a snicker with Ivana.
    Greg Marotta, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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