derisive
adjective
de·ri·sive
di-ˈrī-siv 
-ziv;
-ˈri-ziv,
-ˈri-siv
: expressing or causing contemptuous ridicule or scorn : expressing or causing derision
derisive laughter
Given such follies …, it's easy to be derisive of Jerry Lewis …—
James Wolcott
James Wolcott
derisively
adverb
derisiveness
noun
Examples of derisive in a Sentence
the derisive performances of some of the singers on the talent show
Recent Examples on the Web
But this time, American allies have balked at Trump’s request to send warships to help transport oil through the strait, suggesting there is a limit to how far Europe will go to keep Trump onside in Ukraine and demonstrating the upshot of Trump’s derisive attitude toward alliances.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026
The market learned a lesson embodied in the derisive acronym TACO: Trump Always Chickens Out.
—Matt Peterson, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for derisive
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Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026
The market learned a lesson embodied in the derisive acronym TACO: Trump Always Chickens Out.
—Matt Peterson, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for derisive
Cite this Entry
“Derisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derisive. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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