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

This feeling is called schadenfreude, and it is often rooted in a sense of superiority over the subject of our ridicule. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 Trump's victory was met abroad with shock, alarm and some ridicule. —

Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024

Verb

Restoration of a Global Icon When Notre-Dame suffered a catastrophic fire in April 2019, French President Emmanuel Macron was ridiculed by promising the famed Gothic cathedral would be restored in five years — a job that many expected to take decades. —

Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024 Just days after she was mercilessly ridiculed online for bikini pictures captured by the paparazzi (and a subsequent fiery response of her own), the actress continued to show some skin, posting images on social media that showed off her svelte frame and highlighted her ambassadorship with Miu Miu. —

Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ridicule

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridicule

Noun

Justice Eddins showed contempt for the U.S. Supreme Court in an interview with Slate.com earlier this year.

David Blackmon, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Featuring a bubbe’s visible contempt for a Star Wars ride and everything starring Ellie the Elephant.

Britina Cheng, Vulture, 28 Dec. 2024