RIDICULE Synonyms: 88 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of ridicule are deride , mock , and taunt . While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling. // consistently ridiculed everything she said

Q: When is 'deride' a more appropriate choice than 'ridicule'?

The meanings of deride and ridicule largely overlap; however, 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 'ridicule'?

The words mock and ridicule are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference. // youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

Q: When is it sensible to use 'taunt' instead of 'ridicule'?

While the synonyms taunt and ridicule are close in meaning, taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge. // hometown fans taunted the visiting team

ridicule 1 of 2

noun

ˈri-də-ˌkyül

Definition of ridicule

as in contempt

the making of unkind jokes as a way of showing one's scorn for someone or something the early efforts by the suffragists to obtain voting rights for women were met with ridicule

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

ridicule

2 of 2

verb

as in to mock

to make (someone or something) the object of unkind laughter the term "big bang theory" was originally coined to ridicule the belief that the universe was created by a giant explosion

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How is the word ridicule distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ridicule are deride, mock, and taunt. While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

When is deride a more appropriate choice than ridicule?

The meanings of deride and ridicule largely overlap; however, deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

In what contexts can mock take the place of ridicule?

The words mock and ridicule are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

When is it sensible to use taunt instead of ridicule?

While the synonyms taunt and ridicule are close in meaning, 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 ridicule

Noun

The news comes as a shock given the ridicule Ferrari endured following the car’s release in May. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 31 July 2026 The vehicle’s unorthodox design may be the object of ridicule online, but that doesn’t seem to have scared buyers away—yet. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 30 July 2026

Verb

Young Dolly wore the coat proudly to school, only to be ridiculed by mean kids who laughed at the sight of it. — David Kamp, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026 Beloved by younger fans who remember the sneaker’s original 2013 release, the style is sometimes ridiculed by purists, but that doesn’t make its inclusion any less valid. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ridicule

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridicule

Noun

Lawmakers on the committee are saying he could be held in contempt.

— Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
Being held in contempt opens up a witness to criminal prosecution.

— Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of contempt

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

The public's mounting disdain for the tech sector could prove especially challenging for Anthropic and OpenAI, both valued at nearly $1 trillion and gearing up for potentially historic IPOs.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Ashcroft shares further thoughts about Frank’s disdain for Francis Jr.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of disdain

Noun

Marvel When Disney announced its Infinity Vision certification brand a few months ago, it was met with some confusion and derision.

— Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Despite some derision, the competitions have continued as participants embrace the absurdity and young people seek connection.

— Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of derision

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ridging

ridicule

ridiculed

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

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Synonyms of ridicule

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