ridicule 1 of 2

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ridicule

2 of 2

verb

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

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 ridicule
Noun
A day after the announcement, her decision received some ridicule from Trump during his meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the White House. Ailia Zehra, The Hill, 21 Mar. 2025 But those attempts have been met with, at best, lackluster participation, and at worst, ridicule from Republican campaign arms and the White House itself. Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
The kids at school ridiculed him for his unconventional outfits, but Benny just laughed it off. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2025 The Lyon goal should rightly rectify his legacy at United and hopefully earn him the respect from those outside of the club who have often so unfairly chided and ridiculed him. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridicule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridicule
Noun
  • In November, Swain found Adams’ administration in contempt of multiple provisions of the consent decree designed to improve conditions for inmates and staff at Rikers.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
  • The most immediate blow came earlier this month when U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in contempt of court for willfully violating her 2021 injunction in the Epic Games case.
    Jackie Snow, Quartz, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Similarly, this administration has mocked the constitutional process of due process, whereby the accused get their day in court.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 9 May 2025
  • The backlash has led to worldwide boycotts and protests at dealerships, as well as its vehicles being vandalized and Tesla owners being mocked, all of which has led to a drastic drop in sales.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Young has never shied from making his disdain for Trump clear.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025
  • One of the unspoken pleasures of Drag Race is when Michelle gets her toes stepped on by a guest judge and/or can’t mask her disdain for them.
    Chris Feil, Vulture, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s blatant derision for the central bank leader had previously sent the averages down.
    Julie Coleman, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
  • But some of those moves appear at odds with Mr. Patel’s past derision of the F.B.I.’s aggressive approach to Jan. 6.
    Adam Goldman, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This raw, vulnerable and unpredictable version of Tiffany Haddish leaves the viewer crying with laughter and sobbing from heartfelt, relatable, real-time self-healing.
    Matt Minton, Variety, 9 May 2025
  • But a comedy with audience laughter is its own unified thing which comes together in a package that can please.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ridicule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridicule. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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