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
Trump has been telling Powell to lower rates for months, resorting to ridicule and castigation that have failed to produce a change in interest rate policy. Tobias Burns, The Hill, 17 July 2025 She’s received an enormous amount of online backlash and ridicule and hatred. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
The cancellation of The Late Show comes just a few days after Colbert ridiculed CBS’ parent company Paramount’s $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump. Chad De Guzman, Time, 18 July 2025 While exiting the court, Cousins was ridiculed by fans, with many of them waving goodbye. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ridicule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridicule
Noun
  • Paxton’s filing also asked Judge Megan Fahey to hold O’Rourke in contempt of court.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The motion asked for the court to hold the city in contempt of court, saying LAPD officers hit journalists with batons and arrested them in violation of the court's previous order.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Protestors were seen holding banners and placards expressing their frustration about Vance and the wider U.S. administration, as well as mocking the vice president.
    Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The event’s host, the actress Florence Foresti, openly mocked the movie’s prominence there.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These sordid sagas are met with public disdain, even occasional outrage, but after a while, a certain numbness sets in.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 2025
  • The passionate Philadelphia fan said that she and other natives aren’t deterred by commenters who show their disdain for the city.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Its sneering tone of youthful derision took on new dimensions and a chilling sense of pathos when sung by a 75-year-old musician approaching his final chapter in life.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Prasad, head of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, had faced heavy criticism from the right over his handling of Sarepta, including an op-ed from The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board and derision from pro-Trump influencer Laura Loomer.
    Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • This highlights the importance of creating a culture of humor, not just a moment of laughter.
    Paul Boross MBE, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Before anyone knew it, the house would be as fragrant of cocoa and sugar and butter as it was filled with conversation and laughter and clinking silverware.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ridicule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridicule. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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