as in teases
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 taunts
Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025
In the present day, Ellen watches as MacKinny taunts Colum in front of a crowd of onlookers and rushes to stand by his side.
—Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
Garraty is forced to slap himself across the face to stay awake as Barkovitch taunts him.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025
In the present day, Ellen watches as MacKinny taunts Colum in front of a crowd of onlookers and rushes to stand by his side.
—Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taunts
Verb
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The trailer for the upcoming fourth season of CBS‘ Fire Country teases the aftermath of the series’ emotional Season 3 finale, which, as Deadline reported exclusively, marked the exits as series regulars of original cast members Stephanie Arcila and Billy Burke.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
20 Oct. 2025
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Amid news that a third season of The Comeback is in the works — the first premiered in 2005, the second in 2014 — King teases what fans can expect to see from the sitcom’s return.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The exchange mocks our urge to impose order on the messiness of narrative.—
Manvir Singh,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
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Elon Musk wades back into UK politics, backs leader of new right-wing party, mocks rival.—
,
FOXNews.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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Politico counted 251 instances of derogatory insults in the group chat, interspersed with logistical conversations about social media strategies and collecting votes.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
15 Oct. 2025
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Walking away from a fight or turning the other cheek at someone hurling insults your way would be an insult to our own ego and pride.—
Ed Lavandera,
CNN Money,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In the end, buzzwords may have a short shelf life, but the responsibility of leadership to step in and help prevent the issues that drive these quips is forever.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
17 Oct. 2025
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The practice can take the shape of postcards from quiet couples bliss or passive-aggressive quips about exes, soured business relationships, and industry frenemies.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Women and children of the city are living in a state of terror, fearing that the fiend, if uncaught, will commit other outrages in this city.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Oct. 2025
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Such outrages have taken place even in New York City.—
Ofir Akunis,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Bukele, after a disastrous month for his image, was not willing to tolerate any more affronts.—
Óscar Martínez & Carlos Martínez,
The Dial,
16 Sep. 2025
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These constituencies view the sanctions and the tariffs as otherwise legal instruments weaponized for geopolitical purposes—and as direct affronts to Brazil’s democratic integrity.—
HUSSEIN KALOUT,
Foreign Affairs,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Both would be famous, both see themselves as liberators, and both be disparaged with racial slurs.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Oct. 2025
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Oftentimes, the outlet reported, slurs were played for laughs in the group chat.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Taunts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taunts. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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