Synonyms of ridicule

ridicule 1 of 2

noun

ˈri-də-ˌkyül 

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

• contempt
• disdain
• derision
• laughter
• insult
• mockery
• scorn
• satire
• sport
• disparagement
• caricature
• belittlement
• deprecation
• mimicry
• snickering
• burlesque
• catcall
• put-down
• pasquinade

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approval
• praise
• applause
• commendation

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

• mock
• deride
• taunt
• jeer
• tease
• jibe
• laugh (at)
• parody
• gibe
• make fun of
• scout
• scorn
• rag on
• skewer
• poke fun at
• make sport of
• shoot down
• torment
• imitate
• harass
• disparage
• belittle
• target
• cock snooks (at)
• scoff (at)
• sneer (at)
• decry
• cock a snook (at)
• pooh
• satirize
• rag
• caricature
• bad-mouth
• heckle
• bait
• mimic
• twit
• pooh-pooh
• razz
• rally
• lampoon
• needle
• pester
• rib
• kid
• ride
• pillory
• bug
• quiz
• chaff
• take off (on)
• tweak
• ape
• parrot
• harry
• jive
• put down
• hassle
• burlesque
• travesty
• josh
• catcall
• barrack

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approve
• commend
• applaud
• endorse
• sanction
• indorse

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

Recent Examples of ridicule

Noun

Proxmire’s ridicule was ultimately converted into an honor when Representative Jim Cooper of Tennessee introduced the idea of the Golden Goose Award almost two decades ago. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

Gunn, who holds a PhD in dance, was subjected to widespread ridicule as a result of her performance during the B-Girls Round Robin last week, with many making light of her dance moves, which were a far cry from traditional Hip-Hop dance moves the public is accustomed to. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 14 Aug. 2024

Verb

In a way reminiscent of a comedic roast, Obama ridiculed former President Trump, N.C. —Alexandria Sands, Axios, 26 Oct. 2024

The Harris campaign has ridiculed Trump’s McDonald’s ploy, and the fast food company has received some blowback for allowing Trump to make a campaign appearance at the franchise. —Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Oct. 2024