as in teased
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of taunted
In 2023, the mother of two was enlisted by investigators to determine whether the man who once terrorized Wichita, Kansas, and taunted police during a 17-year murder spree might be linked to other unsolved killings.
—
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
Warm winter jackets taunted him.
—Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Rader — who killed at least 10 victims over the span of three decades, per The New York Times — famously taunted police with his crimes through letters to law enforcement and the media for five years from 1974 to 1979, when his communications ceased.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Often taunted by tabloids for her unsmiling demeanor, Victoria shows off her sense of humor and gets real about some of the most difficult parts of her past, including her struggles with an eating disorder and almost losing her fashion business entirely.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
Goldberg and Behar taunted producer Brian Teta for rushing the EGOT-winning actress along during a Hot Topics chat.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
One memory in particular taunted me.
—Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
The two half-brothers had argued frequently, taunted one another online, and called each other derogatory names, both sides agreed.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Twice, Ali taunted Frazier, beckoning him to hit him.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
Warm winter jackets taunted him.
—Jeff Pearlman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025
Rader — who killed at least 10 victims over the span of three decades, per The New York Times — famously taunted police with his crimes through letters to law enforcement and the media for five years from 1974 to 1979, when his communications ceased.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Often taunted by tabloids for her unsmiling demeanor, Victoria shows off her sense of humor and gets real about some of the most difficult parts of her past, including her struggles with an eating disorder and almost losing her fashion business entirely.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
Goldberg and Behar taunted producer Brian Teta for rushing the EGOT-winning actress along during a Hot Topics chat.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Oct. 2025
One memory in particular taunted me.
—Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
The two half-brothers had argued frequently, taunted one another online, and called each other derogatory names, both sides agreed.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Twice, Ali taunted Frazier, beckoning him to hit him.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taunted
Verb
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The season 3 trailer teased no shortage of moments where Elsbeth must use her unique experience and intuition to resolve even the most dangerous cases — including a hostage incident at a toy store.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
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The 2x Golden Globe nominee teased the upcoming revival with a set photo of himself with Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield, who reprise their roles as Malcolm’s brothers Francis and Reese.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Following the no-contest between Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, Jones mocked the injured champion with a silent but hilarious move on social media that quickly garnered attention.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
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Italy’s performance at World Cup 1978 and Euro 1980 on home soil was decent enough, but their sluggish form going into the tournament meant he was mercilessly mocked in the Italian press.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Taunted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taunted. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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