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
The jeers grew louder Friday and Saturday as Machado piled up four strikeouts amid two hitless nights. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026 Clark's jeers came at Shinnecock Hills in the Hamptons, roughly 60 miles away from Bethpage Black, where fans became the subject of controversy during the Ryder Cup. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
As Heuermann was led away in handcuffs, spectators in the packed courtroom seemed to jeer. Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 While several hundred Iranian Americans protested the government outside, many fans from the diaspora jeered and turned their backs on the field during the national anthem. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 16 June 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
  • Dundon’s move was widely criticized — and ridiculed — after the Hurricanes on Thursday posted a picture of the engravings on social media.
    Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Not too shabby for a man who was roundly ridiculed for his defection from LaLiga in 2007.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026
Noun
  • The film’s sincerity — the quality critics praised most — was met with a sneer rather than a response.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • With his rakish sneer and ruthlessly tight jodhpurs, Rupert has been thoroughly neutered with irony, transformed into an object for women to pick at.
    Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Rushdie has spent almost 40 years under threat of death from Islamic extremists after the Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against him, claiming Rushdie’s novel The Satanic Verses blasphemed Islam and mocked the Prophet Muhammad.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 July 2026
  • Kimmel mocked McConnell by posting the same exact photo on Instagram with Kimmel’s face apparently photoshopped on to McConnell’s body.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Robinson appeared to furrow his brow and smirk as the text messages about the engravings were displayed in the courtroom.
    Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • Howie Mandel’s evaluation began well, but ended up eliciting boos from the audience.
    Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026
  • The extra time between swings gave hitters time to track their home runs — and Philly a smidge more time to unleash those throaty boos at Contreras and Walker.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • As is, this is a foolish thriller that prompts the occasional snicker but not much more.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • The grown-ups in the audience snicker.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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