as in to tease
to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults
the principal reminded the student athletes that taunting their opponents was not showing good sportsmanship
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in jeer
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of taunt
Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
While negligible to his overall earnings, the penalty fits the league’s recent crackdown on celebrations and taunting, as several players were fined earlier this season for similar actions.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025
NPR, 25 Nov. 2025
Thursday featured Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant delivering a savage taunt towards Ja Morant's father during the Memphis Grizzlies game.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for taunt
Verb
But 36–23 still taunts and tantalizes us, a magical missing score that reminds every Scorigami devotee that what’s possible isn’t preordained.
—Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2025
While negligible to his overall earnings, the penalty fits the league’s recent crackdown on celebrations and taunting, as several players were fined earlier this season for similar actions.
—Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025
Noun
And, so, to counteract this bias, poker players have come up with the following dictum (often offered up as a taunt): Scared money don't make money.
—NPR, 25 Nov. 2025
Thursday featured Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant delivering a savage taunt towards Ja Morant's father during the Memphis Grizzlies game.
—Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for taunt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taunt
Verb
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In August 2025, the company announced plans to enter the automotive sector and teased two concept cars that drew heavy comparisons to the Bugatti Chiron and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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Also at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Cyrus teased a potential return to the beloved, wig-wearing character.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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His remarks received a mixed reaction from the crowd, with cheers, jeers and a few boos.—
Stephanie Murray,
AZCentral.com,
19 Dec. 2025
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Every comedian has to contend with hecklers — and Adam Sandler still remembers a particularly strange jeer from his teenage stand-up days.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Nov. 2025
Verb
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During Glaser's interview with Stern, the shock jock praised her for mocking CBS News despite the Golden Globes airing on CBS.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
14 Jan. 2026
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The fan appeared to be mocking Parker for accepting the prestigious Carol Burnett Award from the Golden Globe Awards organization last week.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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McDonald’s is spreading a little festive sneer this holiday season with the release of a brand-new menu inspired by Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Nov. 2025
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Burnett tried several versions in a row: first deadpan, then with a sneer of sarcasm, pursing her lips in judgment.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Those choosing the first option (agreement) will find that what follows is not respect, but mistreatment; those choosing the second (returning fire) are merely providing confirmation of what your hosts already believe — as well as fresh material for their next round of insults.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
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Advertisement Despite being appointed by Trump during his first term, Powell shares a contentious relationship with the President, who has often—and publicly—levied insults at him and called for his removal.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Leno later said he felt humiliated by Kimmel’s jibe.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
19 Sep. 2025
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The foolishness of the governor’s gibe was underscored by the progressive, staunchly anti-Trump Democratic mayor of San Jose.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Trump’s quips about acquiring the island have ignited international concerns about Greenland’s independence and sovereignty from lawmakers in Washington and NATO allies alike.—
Ashleigh Fields,
The Hill,
10 Jan. 2026
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Adapted from the titular national treasure’s The Seven Dials Mystery by Broadchurch’s Chris Chibnall, this is a reassuringly old-school, three-part potboiler packed with witty quips and startling twists.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
3 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Republicans bypass their leaders The action by Republicans to force a vote has been an affront to Johnson and his leadership team, who essentially lost control of what comes to the House floor as the Republican lawmakers joined Democrats for the workaround.—
Lisa Mascaro,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Jan. 2026
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Republicans go around their leaders The action by Republicans to force a vote has been an affront to Johnson and his leadership team, who essentially lost control of what comes to the House floor as the Republican lawmakers joined Democrats for the workaround.—
Lisa Mascaro,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Taunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taunt. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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