ridicule 1 of 2

Definition of ridiculenext
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
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 The part purportedly written by Vazquez mentions years of ridicule and rejection — one of the few full sentences of his written in all caps. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026
Verb
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 Jeon said the company would look at results from the police inquiry and any employee found to have intended to ridicule protesters would be fired. CBS News, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ridicule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridicule
Noun
  • Things like trying to disqualify the entire Utah County Attorney's Office, trying to get some of the evidence suppressed, trying to get a contempt order because the prosecutors violated the court's gag order.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • Graf held a hearing earlier this month over whether prosecutors should be held in contempt for their comments about the bullet.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Within a couple of hours, Wilkins’ replies to the post were flooded with accusations of favoritism, questioning the use of taxpayer funds to book her and mocking her sincerity about being chosen as a performer following high-profile exits from the event.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026
  • The 19-year-old was mocked as a late first-round, early second-round selection.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • While the singer-songwriter has been vocal about her disdain for generative AI models, her latest argument against it comes after learning hundreds of her own songs have been used for training purposes.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2026
  • But many Cepeda voters are still grappling to understand the disdain towards Colombia’s left.
    Catherine Ellis, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Not all the derision was from the online peanut gallery.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 3 June 2026
  • Cassie’s OnlyFans adventures, for interest, were depicted with a kind of sneering derision toward the character’s poor judgement and lack of savvy.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Enjoli Stewart, Michael's mother, said the events taking place on Sunday, June 28, and Monday, June 29, in the Deer Run Estates neighborhood in Lumberton, New Jersey, will honor her son's love for ice cream, laughter and bringing people together.
    Brandon Goldner, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • The answer catches Hathaway completely off guard, sending the Oscar winner into laughter and bringing the scene to a halt.
    Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ridicule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridicule. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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