JEER Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of jeer are fleer , flout , gibe , scoff , and sneer . While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision. // the crowd jeered at the prisoners

Q: When could 'fleer' be used to replace 'jeer'?

In some situations, the words fleer and jeer are roughly equivalent. However, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively. // the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

Q: In what contexts can 'flout' take the place of 'jeer'?

The words flout and jeer can be used in similar contexts, but flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed. // flouted the conventions of polite society

Q: Where would 'gibe' be a reasonable alternative to 'jeer'?

While the synonyms gibe and jeer are close in meaning, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision. // hooted and gibed at the umpire

Q: When can 'scoff' be used instead of 'jeer'?

While in some cases nearly identical to jeer , scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision. // scoffed at their concerns

Q: When is it sensible to use 'sneer' instead of 'jeer'?

The words sneer and jeer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice. // sneered at anything romantic

jeer 1 of 2

noun

Definition of jeer

as in snort

a vocal sound made to express scorn or disapproval ignored the jeers of the other team's fans and just focused on making her free throw shot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jeer

2 of 2

verb

ˈjir

as in to ridicule

to make (someone or something) the object of unkind laughter the unforgiving crowd jeered the magician when the final trick went awry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word jeer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of jeer are fleer, flout, gibe, scoff, and sneer. While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

When could fleer be used to replace jeer?

In some situations, the words fleer and jeer are roughly equivalent. However, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

In what contexts can flout take the place of jeer?

The words flout and jeer can be used in similar contexts, but flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

Where would gibe be a reasonable alternative to jeer?

While the synonyms gibe and jeer are close in meaning, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

When can scoff be used instead of jeer?

While in some cases nearly identical to jeer, scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

When is it sensible to use sneer instead of jeer?

The words sneer and jeer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

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 jeer

Noun

With boos and jeers ringing around Expo Idaho at the referees, AC Boise continued to pepper the Portland box with dangerous crosses and shots. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026 Tel Aviv — A wave of jeers greeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel’s parliament prepared for a blitz of controversial legislation in the government’s closing days. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Verb

Those jeering fans quickly had plenty to celebrate, as Austria players surrounded and jumped on their last-gasp goalscorer. — Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 28 June 2026 Graduates boo speakers for mentioning AI At multiple college graduation ceremonies around the country, graduates and audience members were seen booing and jeering speeches. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for jeer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jeer

Noun

The class had been quiet after the camp text, but now there was at least one snort.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
The Rodents of Unusual Size that attack Westley in a swamp work because they are played by small men in rodent suits, rather than coolly conjured from pixels; their deliberate artifice is the thrill, and Reiner provided the voice for their hideous snorts.

— Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025

Definition of snort

Verb

Paris’ Eiffel Tower, for instance, was ridiculed for decades before becoming arguably one of the most iconic and well-loved pieces of architecture in the world.

— Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026
Digital advertising has long been the cash cow for other big tech companies like Google and Meta, but OpenAI's move was ridiculed by its chief rival, Anthropic, which made OpenAI's ad push the focus of its first Super Bowl campaign.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of ridicule

Verb

The viral video of Gibson appearing to mock the Fan Expo ASL interpreter sparked backlash against the actor as well as FanExpo for platforming the controversial star.

— Zack Sharf, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
Mel Gibson apologized Monday after video surfaced showing the actor mocking a sign language interpreter.

— Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of mock

Noun

Orion gave a smirk and thumbs up to the camera while Keats made a funny face and stuck his tongue out.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
His trademark smirk and knowing stare are now feared by any opponent up against Norway, but don’t be fooled into thinking Haaland isn’t serious about his career.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of smirk

Noun

This is really a spot to escape for the weekend with your boo, or a couple of close friends who just want to veg out and drink and enjoy the scenery.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
After his second miss against the Commanders in last week’s preseason finale, Loop heard some boos at M&T Bank Stadium.

— Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of boo

Noun

As executed, the 2019 show is an emotional yet refreshingly unsentimental black comedy that snickers in the face of empowerment buzzwords like, well, healing journey.

— Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Classic cookies come in 11 flavors like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, snicker doodle, white chocolate macadamia nut, fruity pebbles, monster and white chocolate cranberry.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026

Definition of snicker

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

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