as in teasing
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of taunting
Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
The kickers were so poor that Boston College head coach Bill O’Brien could have been flagged for taunting by calling for a prevent defense at his own 31-yard line just before halftime.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
The child has been taunting Geralt the whole time; the mother, who emerges from the swamp, is desperate for love and warmth and begs for Geralt’s embrace.
—Scott Meslow, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
The Overlook Hotel is, yes, sinister and even demonic, taunting Jack Torrance with bizarre visions that Kubrick manipulates to create a mounting sense of dread.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025
That resulted in a taunting penalty on Rice, who was possibly trying to throw the ball to an official and didn’t realize Martin was in the way.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
Gilligan wants to see people from across the partisan spectrum interact face to face, instead of taunting each other online.
—Judy Berman, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
These included letters from BTK himself, taunting police on being unable to catch him.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
In an age where departments of the United States government apparently engage in internet beef with musicians, Homeland Security is taunting Zach Bryan by using one of his songs in a video glorifying immigration enforcement officers.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
Enforcement of taunting penalties was a point of emphasis for the NFL before the 2025 season.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
The kickers were so poor that Boston College head coach Bill O’Brien could have been flagged for taunting by calling for a prevent defense at his own 31-yard line just before halftime.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
The child has been taunting Geralt the whole time; the mother, who emerges from the swamp, is desperate for love and warmth and begs for Geralt’s embrace.
—Scott Meslow, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
The Overlook Hotel is, yes, sinister and even demonic, taunting Jack Torrance with bizarre visions that Kubrick manipulates to create a mounting sense of dread.
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025
That resulted in a taunting penalty on Rice, who was possibly trying to throw the ball to an official and didn’t realize Martin was in the way.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
Gilligan wants to see people from across the partisan spectrum interact face to face, instead of taunting each other online.
—Judy Berman, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
These included letters from BTK himself, taunting police on being unable to catch him.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
In an age where departments of the United States government apparently engage in internet beef with musicians, Homeland Security is taunting Zach Bryan by using one of his songs in a video glorifying immigration enforcement officers.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taunting
Adjective
-
To get a sense of his whole deal, look no further than the half-mocking, half-earnest title of his latest album, Country!—
Jonathan Bernstein,
Rolling Stone,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The former Nickelodeon sitcom stars posted a new video on Instagram Wednesday, teasing what appeared to be a casual interaction as Peck sipped on a large drink in a plastic container.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Nov. 2025
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The Japan Mobility Show is in full swing in Tokyo, and some of the largest automotive brands in the world are debuting and teasing vehicle concepts that could shape their future portfolios.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Earlier that day, Minaj had posted derisive comments about Roc Nation, suggesting the company had unsuccessfully tried to sign her.—
Andrew Flanagan,
Variety,
15 Oct. 2025
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Spokespeople turned away media requests for such information with a derisive laugh.—
Ron Kampeas,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Vice President Vance appeared on FOX News Channel’s The Ingraham Angle hours after the heckling incident, telling the host about visiting with the national guardsmen and discussing recent changes to the city, while briefly mentioning the protesters.—
Jillian Frankel,
People.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Where internet trolls often come off as flippant or spiteful, there is a relentless sense of play and mastery of language in even McNally’s most needling posts.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Taunting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taunting. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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