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

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

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
During the opening ceremony, Team USA athletes were cheered on, but jeers and whistles could be heard as Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, were shown on the stadium screens, waving American flags from the tribune. Fernanda Figueroa, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026 The footage showed Vance smiling and waving to the crowd from his box seat as the jeers continued. Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
Federal agents in tactical gear, carrying firearms, moved in on the park, walking in a straight line, side by side, some on horseback, as news helicopters hovered above and nearby demonstrators jeered at them. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026 The Bruins had the poise to make their free throws in the face of jeering fans. Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jeer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jeer
Noun
  • Soon come the snorts, the heavy body of a second hog tottering heavily from the hut.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Jan. 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
  • Soviet satire and humor journals, for example, ridiculed Western imperialism.
    Neringa Klumbytė, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Other potential candidates, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Gavin Newsom, have achieved fame by berating and ridiculing the other side.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • From the sneer of Billy Idol to the smooth sashaying of Sade, the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees amplify the institution’s commitment to recognizing a diverse slate.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Valarr asks Ser Duncan with a sneer.
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Bold choices are applauded or mocked—or mocked at the time and then applauded later.
    Esther Zuckerman, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026
  • This might be the first time a film opens in theaters attached to a trailer for another movie mocking its franchise.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Reaves couldn’t muster even a smirk – his 3-point attempt to tie the game as time expired on Thursday, and potentially send the Lakers to overtime with the Phoenix Suns, didn’t drop.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Today, a Michigan coach might meet that saying with a smirk.
    Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • To a chorus of boos, San Diego Unified School District’s board of trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to cut more than 200 classified jobs, in a move expected to lead to layoffs for about 70 people.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Some fans threw flares onto the field at the final whistle as Marseille's players went off to a chorus of boos.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The event also had free opportunities to take photos, get ice cream snickers and have earned a Super Bowl post card.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated February 5, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • While there were a few snickers, the photographers obliged and got their photos.
    Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.

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