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

Trump's victory was met abroad with shock, alarm and some ridicule. —

Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024 Everything was ripe for ridicule — the more absurd, the better. —

Chris Koseluk, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024

Verb

Utzon’s lead role drastically changed in 1965, when Robert Askin, who had frequently ridiculed the project’s design, cost overruns, and delays, was elected as the new premier of New South Wales. —

Michael Y. Park, Architectural Digest, 9 Dec. 2024 But instead of reciprocating, Lila told him to get away from her and started ridiculing him. —

Krista Stevens, Longreads, 5 Dec. 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