jeer 1 of 2

as in snort
a vocal sound made to express scorn or disapproval ignored the jeers of the other team's fans and just focused on making her free throw shot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jeer

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word jeer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of jeer are fleer, flout, gibe, scoff, and sneer. While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

When could fleer be used to replace jeer?

In some situations, the words fleer and jeer are roughly equivalent. However, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

In what contexts can flout take the place of jeer?

The words flout and jeer can be used in similar contexts, but flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

Where would gibe be a reasonable alternative to jeer?

While the synonyms gibe and jeer are close in meaning, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

When can scoff be used instead of jeer?

While in some cases nearly identical to jeer, scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

When is it sensible to use sneer instead of jeer?

The words sneer and jeer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

Examples 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 jeer
Noun
Entering Saturday night's matchup between the National League East rivals, Arcia might hope that the Phillies' fans continue to shower him with jeers. Field Level Media, Reuters, 31 Aug. 2024 Sheppard immediately popped up from his scoring catch and shushed the Knights students, whose jeers were well within earshot. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 29 Sep. 2024
Verb
Certain shortsighted business mistakes live on in jeering lore: Blockbuster rejecting Netflix comes to mind, as does Twentieth Century Fox giving up sequel rights to Star Wars. Sally Jenkins, Washington Post, 19 July 2024 That a freshman senator and sharp-elbowed critic of long-standing party orthodoxy was given a hero’s welcome in Milwaukee, while the longest-serving Senate leader in history was jeered at, says something profound about the future of the GOP. Brittany Bernstein, National Review, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for jeer 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jeer
Noun
  • But back in the late 90s, people could crush the pills, turning a slow-release narcotic into a rapidly acting drug, a snort or injection leading to an intense high.
    Peter Ubel, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024
  • And while it can be linked to a variety of health risks in those who are affected, snoring also takes a toll on bed partners who struggle to get some shuteye in the midst of a cacophony of snorts and rumbles.
    Carly Weeks, TIME, 7 Aug. 2024
Verb
  • The former president has repeatedly ridiculed the conservative cable news giant in the weeks leading up to Election Day.
    Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Young voters in both camps have seized on certain messages to ridicule or to emphasize certain values which have ranged from Tik Tock, Instagram reels of dance videos about eating cats and dogs to Trump depicted as the Messiah.
    Earl Carr, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Mazzoli piles unstable harmonies on top of that fractured foundation; trombone glissandos add a demonic sneer.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024
  • The outdoor effigy has been eliciting snickers, sneers — and the ire of politicians, who have called it a stunt.
    Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 10 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Previously, he was mocked for showcasing what appeared to be a truly terrible Elden Ring build (see above).
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Russia has sent two prototypes of its latest fighter jet in service, the stealth Su-57, to China for an airshow, where they were reportedly mocked for their poor workmanship and conditions.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Ben Daniels’s charming smirk has not convinced me, though.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2024
  • The smirk of a male who’s knows he’s protected by a misogynist sporting establishment enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head, and whose life’s ambition he’s just shattered.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 1 Aug. 2024
Noun
  • When Josie arrived at the makeshift barracks, no one said boo to her let alone gave her the 10-cent tour.
    Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Andrew Greif Some boos can be heard inside Minnesota’s home stadium after Sam Darnold throws the sixth interception of his season, ending the Vikings’ first drive.
    Andrew Greif, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Could anyone utter these lofty words today without courting a chorus of snickers, a social-media immolation?
    George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Sugar might have caught its share of snickers when its big plot twist was revealed, but Colin Farrell is a huge movie star who carried that show, and that should be enough to give him the edge.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 July 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near jeer

Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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