DERIDE Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'deride' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of deride are mock , ridicule , and taunt . While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule. // derided their efforts to start their own business

Q: In what contexts can 'mock' take the place of 'deride'?

The words mock and deride can be used in similar contexts, but mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference. // youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

Q: When can 'ridicule' be used instead of 'deride'?

While the synonyms ridicule and deride are close in meaning, ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling. // consistently ridiculed everything she said

Q: When might 'taunt' be a better fit than 'deride'?

The words taunt and deride are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge. // hometown fans taunted the visiting team

deride

verb

di-ˈrīd

Definition of deride

as in to ridicule

to make (someone or something) the object of unkind laughter my brothers derided our efforts, but were forced to eat their words when we won first place

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How is the word deride distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of deride are mock, ridicule, and taunt. While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

In what contexts can mock take the place of deride?

The words mock and deride can be used in similar contexts, but mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

When can ridicule be used instead of deride?

While the synonyms ridicule and deride are close in meaning, ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

When might taunt be a better fit than deride?

The words taunt and deride are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge.

hometown fans taunted the visiting team

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of deride In an op-ed for Food & Wine last November, restaurateur John Winterman derided the book’s effect on guest behavior. — Adam Reiner, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Sep. 2026 Even the Barbie doll, while often derided for promoting an unhealthy body image for developing children, offered girls a glimpse of a different future than as a wife and mother, Kimmel argues. — Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026 But the voluntary deals appeal to an industry that has railed against mandatory approaches drugmakers deride as harmful price controls. — Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Much of the vitriol apparently stems from the developers releasing GTA VI without physical copies of the game, a decision that was roundly mocked and derided last month. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deride

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deride

Verb

Reportedly, William is willing to speak to Harry because things have reached a point where they’re being ridiculed for the standoff.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 12 Oct. 2026
Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer’s job is one of the most ridiculed in the country these days.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of ridicule

Verb

Critics mocked Zacharia’s performance during her first and last press conference on Tuesday, and ripped her for describing herself as an attorney, despite having never passed the bar exam.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2026
The Difference Between Names And Dynamics Richard Feynman recalled being mocked by another child for not knowing a bird’s name.

— Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of mock

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derelicts

deride

derided

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“Deride.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deride. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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