TAUNT Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'taunt' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of taunt are deride , mock , and ridicule . While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge. // hometown fans taunted the visiting team

Q: When could 'deride' be used to replace 'taunt'?

The words deride and taunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule. // derided their efforts to start their own business

Q: When would 'mock' be a good substitute for 'taunt'?

Although the words mock and taunt have much in common, mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference. // youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

Q: In what contexts can 'ridicule' take the place of 'taunt'?

The synonyms ridicule and taunt are sometimes interchangeable, but ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling. // consistently ridiculed everything she said

taunt 1 of 2

verb

ˈtȯnt

Definition of taunt next

as in to tease

to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults the principal reminded the student athletes that taunting their opponents was not showing good sportsmanship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

taunt

2 of 2

noun

as in jeer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word taunt distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of taunt are deride, mock, and ridicule. While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge.

hometown fans taunted the visiting team

When could deride be used to replace taunt?

The words deride and taunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

When would mock be a good substitute for taunt?

Although the words mock and taunt have much in common, mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

In what contexts can ridicule take the place of taunt?

The synonyms ridicule and taunt are sometimes interchangeable, but ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

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 taunt

Verb

The second game was filled with showboating Padres who taunted bottle-throwing fans. —

Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024 Franklin also made a dumb decision by confronting a taunting fan on his way to the locker room instead of ignoring the noise, as players are taught to do. —

Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024

Noun

The internet response to an Elon Musk taunt gets it all wrong. —

Christine Emba, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2024 Although many saw the United Kingdom’s main task as adjusting to this loss, rather than finding a replacement for it, Acheson’s taunt suggested that a new role must be found. —

Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Apr. 2020 See all Example Sentences for taunt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for taunt

Verb

The maker’s first prototype, dubbed the Him-E, was teased in 2023.

New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024
Goldberg teased Gunther as his opponent, a continuation of their exchange from WWE Bad Blood in October.

Brian Mazique, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024