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
As performative men become more a target of ridicule, these men will inevitably either drop the act or pick up a new one. Charles Trepany, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025 The Bruins have looked overmatched in all three games, with conference play still ahead, and prompted ridicule from media, the Pac-12, their former conference, and even the Big Sky Conference. Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
Using simple yet incandescent prose, Paine renounced, repudiated and ridiculed at a clip seldom witnessed in print before or since. Matthew Redmond, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025 Sullivan says Harrigan harmed her personal and professional reputation, and exposed her to ridicule, hatred, contempt, and safety threats. Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridicule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridicule
Noun
  • My relationship with my disease began as one of mutual contempt.
    David Soren, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Delightfully pugnacious contempt for plot and human interest.
    New York Times, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The principal of a Chicago elementary school that employs a teacher who appeared to mock the assassination of Charlie Kirk apparently portrayed the educator as a victim amid backlash over her behavior.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
  • He has already been known to privately mock conservative pastors.
    Rev. Nathan Empsall, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Trump, at least initially, was treated with disdain.
    Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Lamb doubled down on his disdain for Kirk in his response to Fox News Digital.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But as a frequent object of derision during less productive years, Prescott understands leadership and the volatility of an NFL locker room -- particularly when one side of the football is carrying the other and wins are subsequently tough to come by.
    Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The final decision from Glenn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though, may deserve even more derision given how his team’s game against the Broncos and their ferocious, inevitable pass rush had unfolded.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Beverly hops joyfully across the couple’s farm with her sister Billie—also adopted from Northwest Dog Project—and brings laughter to her family every day with her quirky personality.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • In an instant, the ordinary rhythms of their lives — laughter, errands, the hum of home — were shattered.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ridicule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridicule. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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