1
as in joke
a person or thing that is made fun of after yet another last place finish, the team became nothing more than a derision to all but its most loyal fans

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2
as in ridicule
the making of unkind jokes as a way of showing one's scorn for someone or something their absurd behavior on the awards show became a source of derision for comedians

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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 derision Following the coordinated ‘drop’ of Lively’s fantastical Civil Rights Department Complaint and an explosive New York Times article, Wayfarer and Baldoni became objects of public scorn and derision. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025 In the Senate, the decision last week by Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to vote for the Republicans’ continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown has been met with widespread derision and disbelief — even by Trump himself. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2025 The book version of Bridget has come in for derision as an embarrassing relic of postfeminism, screwing up even the most basic personal and professional tasks, and fixated on her thigh circumference and her office crushes. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025 By contrast, George W. Bush faced derision for his tentative response after Hurricane Katrina flooded large swaths of New Orleans in 2005. Adam Nagourney, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for derision
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derision
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Corden, as the event’s emcee, made some uncomfortable jokes about the Dow dropping 2200 points last Friday.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025
  • After Wil Trapp scored a rare goal in Minnesota United’s 2-1 win over New York City on Sunday — and the midfielder did so from outside the 18-yard box — Michael Boxall had jokes ready for his teammate and friend in the visiting locker room at Yankee Stadium.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Spiranac, of course, is referencing what golf fans have come to ridicule.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The latest breakthrough attempts have been met with ridicule as Republicans blast Democrats for awkward social media posts and videos.
    Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That’s why even just the Trump administration’s first strike against its targets—a mass curtailment of science-research funding—could end up being felt by students right away.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Judge James Boasberg, now a frequent target of Trump, has since ordered five of Trump’s Cabinet members to preserve all Signal messages sent from March 11 to March 15.
    Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Derision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derision. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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