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 next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of ridicule

Noun

Despite their rapid, widespread popularity among young people, history often eclipses the initial skepticism and ridicule received from older generations. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 Sneers and jeers are a given when these in-state rivals meet, but the news swirling around Golden should intensify the ridicule. —

Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Nov. 2024

Verb

Critics on the left—social democrats and communists—ridiculed fascism as homosexual. —

Christopher Ewing / Made By History, TIME, 20 Nov. 2024 The justices ridiculed the attorney general's logic in their 31-page opinion. —

Bayliss Wagner, Austin American-Statesman, 15 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ridicule

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridicule

Noun

The state filed a similar motion to hold Etienne in contempt again in 2023, court records show.

Chris Quintana, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
The district attorney on the case was convicted of criminal contempt and disbarred.

Karina Tsui, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024