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

The mantra Jones put forth for the 2024 campaign went on to become an easy target for ridicule. —

Saad Yousuf, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 Trump’s expansionist comments have at times been met with ridicule. —

Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025

Verb

The post was met with accounts celebrating the withdrawal and ridiculing past decisions. —

Sara Dorn, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 At times, Phillips’ dialogue seems to be ridiculing his screenplay’s own improbability and sloppy logic gaps, as well as the genre itself. —

Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ridicule

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridicule

Noun

Dan Scavino will return to his role as deputy chief of staff, after serving as a longtime Trump communications staffer (he was held in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify in the House Jan. 6 committee investigation, but the Justice Department declined to prosecute him).

— Sara Dorn, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Rudy Giuliani is set to appear in a Washington, D.C., federal courtroom Friday as a federal judge considers a request from two Georgia election workers to hold the former New York City mayor in contempt for allegedly continuing to defame them in violation of a court order.

— Robert Legare, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025