JEER Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

jeer 1 of 2

noun

Definition of jeer next

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

ˈjir

as in to ridicule

to make (someone or something) the object of unkind laughter the unforgiving crowd jeered the magician when the final trick went awry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Murphy responded to jeers, following two poor misses, by scoring twice and repaying Howe’s faith. —

Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 In the cafeteria, the boys jeer at him, and a light-skinned kid, off to the side, jeers back, an act Elwood takes as fraternal defense. —

Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024

Verb

For example, Nadon’s Leonard is so comically greedy that he is often jeered at and publically lambasted. —

Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024 The classmates laugh and jeer, but Glinda, repaying Elphaba’s act of kindness, joins her in a wordless duet. —

Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for jeer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jeer

Noun

The book, with illustrations by English artist Hannah Farr, tells the story of how Henri gets bullied in doggie daycare because of his loud snort.

Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
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