Synonyms of ridicule

ridicule 1 of 2

noun

ˈri-də-ˌkyül 

as in contempt

the making of unkind jokes as a way of showing one's scorn for someone or something

the early efforts by the suffragists to obtain voting rights for women were met with ridicule

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contempt
• disdain
• derision
• laughter
• insult
• mockery
• scorn
• satire
• sport
• disparagement
• caricature
• belittlement
• deprecation
• mimicry
• snickering
• burlesque
• catcall
• put-down
• pasquinade

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approval
• praise
• applause
• commendation

ridicule

2 of 2

verb

as in to mock

to make (someone or something) the object of unkind laughter

the term "big bang theory" was originally coined to ridicule the belief that the universe was created by a giant explosion

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mock
• deride
• taunt
• jeer
• tease
• laugh (at)
• parody
• gibe
• make fun of
• scout
• scorn
• rag on
• skewer
• poke fun at
• make sport of
• shoot down
• torment
• imitate
• harass
• disparage
• belittle
• target
• cock snooks (at)
• scoff (at)
• sneer (at)
• decry
• cock a snook (at)
• rag
• satirize
• caricature
• bad-mouth
• heckle
• twit
• pooh-pooh
• razz
• bait
• mimic
• lampoon
• rally
• needle
• pester
• rib
• kid
• quiz
• pillory
• ride
• bug
• chaff
• take off (on)
• tweak
• ape
• parrot
• harry
• jive
• put down
• hassle
• burlesque
• travesty
• josh
• catcall
• barrack

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• commend
• endorse
• applaud
• sanction

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ridicule distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ridicule are deride, mock, and taunt. While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

When is deride a more appropriate choice than ridicule?

The meanings of deride and ridicule largely overlap; however, deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

In what contexts can mock take the place of ridicule?

The words mock and ridicule are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

When is it sensible to use taunt instead of ridicule?

While the synonyms taunt and ridicule are close in meaning, taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge.

hometown fans taunted the visiting team

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ridicule

Noun

Before his arrival, PSG almost seemed cursed in this competition and was unable to get over the line almost to the point of ridicule – then stepped in this visionary Spanish genius. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 May 2026

That means that in teams where people felt safe to share ideas and make mistakes, with little fear of ridicule or retribution, there was significantly higher productivity, a lower rate of turnover, more innovation and much more engagement. — Leeza Carlone Steindorf, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Verb

Professional opportunities were nearly nonexistent, and some were ridiculed for playing. — Latif Love june 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026

Further, the word kliba is not necessarily an affirming term in the Mahabharata since it is used derisively, as almost a slur, by men to ridicule and question the masculinity of other men who act cowardly. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026