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
Many of the attendees disrupted Percival’s speech, heckling him with jeers and boos. Las Vegas Review-Journal, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026 The Madison Square Garden crowd let Embiid hear it with booming, profane jeers throughout that 2024 slugfest, which the Knicks won in six games. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026
Verb
But after the first series of the 2026 MLB season, those same fans who were celebrating Bichette's signing a few months ago are now the same ones jeering him after an awful debut series with the Mets. Tyler Erzberger, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026 The Nuggets ended the game on a 21-5 run and a catharsis, as Jamal Murray nailed a dagger 3-pointer and played to the crowd that had jeered his team not long ago. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 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
  • Kripke later shared a screenshot of two of Musk's posts and ridiculed the billionaire for his comedic instincts.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
  • But Shilo spoke up for his brother, and he was ridiculed for that.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • While some celebrants have greeted these caricatures with cathartic jeers and sneers, others are shocked and outraged.
    Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Huxley might easily have written a simpler novel glorifying intellectuals while mocking Stoyte’s greed and indifference to suffering.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • The reflections and depth of artistry were mocked.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • An elderly man offered a smirk for his mugshot after being arrested in a caught-on-camera hit-and-run involving a cyclist group.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
  • The prospect of doing it again with even larger stakes brought an excited smirk to Smart’s face.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Somewhere between Pomp and Circumstance and the president’s closing remarks, more than one commencement speaker this year mentioned artificial intelligence — and met a barrage of boos.
    Ann Kirschner, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • The barrage of 'boos' at driver intros turned into deafening cheers.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026
Noun
  • Early never makes fun of Maddie, never lets the audience snicker at the screen.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
  • The dialogue is overladen with snicker-worthy cliches, a swelling, melodramatic soundtrack that doesn’t match the mood, dubious cameos and plastic, perfunctory life-affirming quotes.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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