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

jeer

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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 the first few minutes, the jeers were murmurs that faded into the overall atmosphere in the stands. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Commencement speakers across the country have been met with widespread jeers over the past month, mostly in skeptical response to statements about a pending workplace evolution related to AI. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 15 June 2026
Verb
It’s reported that some Knicks celebrators followed the Spurs back to their hotel, jeering and egging them. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 15 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. ABC News, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for jeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jeer
Noun
  • On a night when Lee somehow turned a 73.2 mph snort into a home run, Chapman staged another losing battle while hoping for a conventional one.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • My wife, meanwhile, guards against the occasional loud snort with one of the oldest and most elegant anti-snoring technologies ever devised: earplugs.
    Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Professional opportunities were nearly nonexistent, and some were ridiculed for playing.
    Latif Love June 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
  • It was ridiculed by people outside the club and maybe that has something to do with it.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • Of course, the prospect of one of the greatest women’s footballers in history skittering around Bromley on a Saturday lunchtime in front of a smattering of fans inevitably inspires sneers.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Within a couple of hours, Wilkins’ replies to the post were flooded with accusations of favoritism, questioning the use of taxpayer funds to book her and mocking her sincerity about being chosen as a performer following high-profile exits from the event.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026
  • The 19-year-old was mocked as a late first-round, early second-round selection.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Roy interjected with the mischievous smirk typical of a younger brother trying to ruffle some feathers.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • Her roundup began with a photo of a shadow holding a wine glass outdoors, followed by a selfie with a smirk.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • This graduation season has been marked by a wave of boos and hostile audience reactions at ceremonies across the country wherever tech executives have attempted to frame AI as the engine of graduates' futures.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • The smattering of boos toward him that started the year have grown louder.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The grown-ups in the audience snicker.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • There were snickers from some of the other students, including a tall and lank-haired kid whose name Adele didn’t know.
    Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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