ridicule

1 of 2

noun

rid·​i·​cule ˈri-də-ˌkyül 

: the act of ridiculing : derision, mockery

ridicule

2 of 2

verb

ridiculed; ridiculing

transitive verb

: to make fun of

ridiculer noun

Synonyms

Noun

• contempt
• disdain
• derision
• laughter

Verb

• mock

Choose the Right Synonym for ridicule

ridicule, deride, mock, taunt mean to make an object of laughter of.

ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

the other kids mocked the way he laughed

taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge.

hometown fans taunted the visiting team

Examples of ridicule in a Sentence

Noun

She didn't show anyone her artwork for fear of ridicule.

the early efforts by the suffragists to obtain voting rights for women were met with ridicule

Verb

The other kids ridiculed him for the way he dressed.

They ridiculed all of her suggestions.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The internet faced ridicule for its impractical nature during its initial development phase. —Sadhasivam Mohanadas, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

When asked about funny memories with the cast — which included the likes of Viggo Mortensen, Elijah Wood, Liv Tyler, and Ian McKellen — Bloom said that his glamorous elf warrior, Legolas, was subject to great ridicule among his costars. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Verb

One of the primary barriers to feeling completely safe with your partner is the fear of being judged, mocked and ridiculed for being honest or opening up. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

In a new YouTube video (below), the 64-year-old Emmy winner recounted her relationship with Smith, the famed model and entertainment personality who was widely ridiculed by comedians and the media over her substance abuse and public demeanor prior to her 2007 death. —EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French or Latin; French, from Latin ridiculum jest

First Known Use

Noun

1675, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1680, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ridicule

• hold (someone) up to (public) ridicule
• self-ridicule
• subject/object of ridicule

Rhymes for ridicule

• minuscule
• molecule
• overrule
• poiseuille
• reticule
• vestibule
• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule
• footstool

Kids Definition

ridicule

1 of 2 noun

rid·​i·​cule ˈrid-ə-ˌkyü(ə)l 

: the act of making fun of someone or something : derision

ridicule

2 of 2 verb

ridiculed; ridiculing

: to make fun of : deride

ridiculer noun