as in mocked
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 ridiculed
When Pete Buttigieg floated a 15-member Supreme Court during his 2020 presidential campaign, for example, he was properly ridiculed by institutionalists.
—
Washington Post Editorial Board, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
In the intervening 26 years, the Jets have been roundly mocked and ridiculed — and, sure, it has often been deserved.
—Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Kripke later shared a screenshot of two of Musk's posts and ridiculed the billionaire for his comedic instincts.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
But Shilo spoke up for his brother, and he was ridiculed for that.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
And while that move was ridiculed across baseball at the time, another decision Turner made — far more consequential but no less revolutionary — put his franchise on a trajectory to become one of the most popular in the sport.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 May 2026
On Thursday, though, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf – who is leading negotiations for Tehran and has emerged as the key voice of the Iranian government – ridiculed the notion of blockading Iran, pointing to the country’s extensive land and maritime borders.
—Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
DeSantis has ridiculed Jeffries’ threat, including on Thursday.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
He’s ostracized, bullied, ridiculed, beaten.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Washington Post Editorial Board, Twin Cities, 29 May 2026
In the intervening 26 years, the Jets have been roundly mocked and ridiculed — and, sure, it has often been deserved.
—Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Kripke later shared a screenshot of two of Musk's posts and ridiculed the billionaire for his comedic instincts.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
But Shilo spoke up for his brother, and he was ridiculed for that.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
And while that move was ridiculed across baseball at the time, another decision Turner made — far more consequential but no less revolutionary — put his franchise on a trajectory to become one of the most popular in the sport.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 May 2026
On Thursday, though, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf – who is leading negotiations for Tehran and has emerged as the key voice of the Iranian government – ridiculed the notion of blockading Iran, pointing to the country’s extensive land and maritime borders.
—Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
DeSantis has ridiculed Jeffries’ threat, including on Thursday.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
He’s ostracized, bullied, ridiculed, beaten.
—Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridiculed
mocked
Verb
-
That unique bitterness is mocked, but revered, in countless social media videos.—
Chris Tye,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
-
The Super Bowl-winning quarterback, set to join CBS’ pregame show after announcing his retirement Wednesday, went from Seattle Seahawks superstar to frequently mocked journeyman so quickly that only time will help process the implications in an even-handed manner.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ridiculed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridiculed. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
