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
Swinging away with the top button on his Cardinals jersey undone, the 24-year-old Walker seemed nonplussed by the jeers and the massive stage during All-Star Game festivities. CBS News, 14 July 2026 Swinging away with the top button on his Cardinals jersey undone, the 24-year-old Walker seemed nonplussed by the jeers and the massive stage during All-Star festivities. Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Verb
Graduates boo speakers for mentioning AI At multiple college graduation ceremonies around the country, graduates and audience members were seen booing and jeering speeches. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 21 June 2026 As Heuermann was led away in handcuffs, spectators in the packed courtroom seemed to jeer. Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 17 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
  • The blogger has been on a years-long apology tour after relentlessly ridiculing celebrities in the 2000s.
    Ethan Beck, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2026
  • At this point, the only reason not to ridicule candidates is the fear of backlash.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 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
  • Since the education minister's resignation, Modi has also spoken of forgiving those who had mocked the prime minister, an apparent effort to reconnect with younger audiences.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Trump routinely mocks Newsom and refers to the governor using a derogatory nickname, while Newsom taunts the president with frequent social media posts.
    Darlene Superville, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Orlando Bloom flashes a shirtless smirk while on vacation in Marmi, Italy on July 26.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 29 July 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
  • Tucker heard boos for the second consecutive night in his return to Chicago after playing for the Cubs last season.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • No wonder the new York head coach cut quite the forlorn figure on the touchline during the closing exchanges, even allowing for his post-match words of defiance for the boo boys.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • As is, this is a foolish thriller that prompts the occasional snicker but not much more.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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