DERISIVE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

derisive

adjective

di-ˈrī-siv

Definition of derisive

as in ridiculous

so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter the derisive performances of some of the singers on the talent show

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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 derisive This was met by derisive laughter in the locker room, where, coincidentally, the director of the FBI was chugging a beer and joining in the uproar. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026 The revelation quickly made headlines, and the social-media peanut gallery was sharply derisive. — Emma Sandler, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025 There is nothing quite like experiencing a truly terrible film with a room full of gleefully derisive bad-movie fans. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for derisive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for derisive

Adjective

Some are quieter this year, some are almost ridiculous, but all of them share a strange sense of purpose.

— Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Fashion history has a funny way of vindicating the people brave enough to look ridiculous.

— Derek C. Blasberg, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of ridiculous

Adjective

The Appalachian Trail is absolutely brutal The distance alone is obviously absurd, but mileage is only part of what makes the AT such a beast.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
The selection process does not judge whether a study is admirable or absurd, good or bad.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of absurd

Adjective

Playing the part largely for laughs, Moore actually has more in common with Lazenby than Connery; his Bond is softer and sillier than the original, an approach Moore would double down on in later films — often to the chagrin of Bond purists.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2026
For Lance Oppenheim, Primetime’s DNA resides inside a silly Cameo video.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of silly

Adjective

Billboards along Southern California freeways have broadcast the Angels’ desperate attempts to draw in fans via pathetic promotions.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
The outfield production continues to be a concern, and the overall offensive production is pathetic.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of pathetic

Adjective

Far too much coverage of declining trust in science — particularly the anti-vaccine movement — is predicated on the assumption that its adherents are either stupid or crazy.

— Rick Berke, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026
The Dodge Durango Hellcat is the most accessible way to go stupid-fast in a three-row family car thanks to the Escalade V‘s high price tag.

— Byron Hurd, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of stupid

Browse Nearby Words

derisions

derisive

derisory

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“Derisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derisive. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of derisive

adjective

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