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
Relevance
as in jeer
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of taunt
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025
On another occasion, a group of students tripped him to the ground, put a cheese crown made of paper on his head, and then taunted him with actual cheese.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2025
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 29 Sep. 2025
After a 3-1 showing in the morning, the Euros fought through the taunts of fans and tensions inside the ropes to grab another three points to the Americans' one in the afternoon session and expand their lead to 11.5-4.5.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Judy Berman, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
Running back Javonte Williams was fined $16,830 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet), center Brock Hoffman was fined $6,111 for taunting, and safety Donovan Wilson was fined $23,186 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet).
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for taunt
Verb
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
On another occasion, a group of students tripped him to the ground, put a cheese crown made of paper on his head, and then taunted him with actual cheese.
—Eyal Press, New Yorker, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
In truth, the Ryder Cup has long since departed from golf’s gentlemanly beginnings, with rowdy taunts and sledging now par for the course.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 29 Sep. 2025
After a 3-1 showing in the morning, the Euros fought through the taunts of fans and tensions inside the ropes to grab another three points to the Americans' one in the afternoon session and expand their lead to 11.5-4.5.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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
Running back Javonte Williams was fined $16,830 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet), center Brock Hoffman was fined $6,111 for taunting, and safety Donovan Wilson was fined $23,186 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet).
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for taunt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taunt
Noun
-
As his father read drafts of the Declaration of Independence, William was carted off, to jeers and insults.—
Stacy Schiff,
The Atlantic,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Throughout the weekend, McIlroy and other European players sparred with fans, provoking the Irish golfer in at least one instance to yell back at the crowd, while others flashed middle fingers in response to the jeers.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
PEOPLE,
30 Sep. 2025
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
Noun
-
Anderson plunges the audience into the rebels’ point of view, immersing us in the recalcitrant pride and swagger of Perfidia Beverly Hills, a revolutionary leader played by Teyana Taylor with a hypnotic sneer of defiance.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Jacob sneers, but doesn’t even wait for his son to answer.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Spokespeople turned away media requests for such information with a derisive laugh.—
Ron Kampeas,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Special Olympics has been fighting against the discriminatory use of the word since the term’s early days as an insult.—
Kate Reilly,
NBC news,
30 Oct. 2025
-
The race has been no short of dogged, as insults between the candidates on the debate stage have led to archives investigations and defamation lawsuit threats.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The film pivots from wry mock-doc to straightforward slasher in its second half, but its wit remains sharper than the farm equipment Leslie uses to dispatch his victims.—
Katie Rife,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Oct. 2025
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Armored vehicles were observed clearing obstacles set by mock defending forces before advancing toward the presidential and foreign ministry replicas in a simulation apparently geared toward neutralizing the island's leadership, JINF told the outlet.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Leno later said he felt humiliated by Kimmel’s jibe.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
19 Sep. 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Taunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taunt. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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