DERISION Synonyms: 43 Similar and Opposite Words

derision

noun

di-ˈri-zhən

Definition of derision

as in joke

a person or thing that is made fun of after yet another last place finish, the team became nothing more than a derision to all but its most loyal fans

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in ridicule

the making of unkind jokes as a way of showing one's scorn for someone or something their absurd behavior on the awards show became a source of derision for comedians

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 derision But yet, Scalia didn’t have the scorn, the contempt, the derision. — NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026 Marvel When Disney announced its Infinity Vision certification brand a few months ago, it was met with some confusion and derision. — Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Despite some derision, the competitions have continued as participants embrace the absurdity and young people seek connection. — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026 Plus, Cunningham is in her eighth WNBA season, roughly twice the length of the average player’s career, and Hill still found her accomplishments worthy of derision. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for derision

Recent Examples of Synonyms for derision

Noun

My friend Jackie Kashian was hired to write jokes for standup, for a comedian who didn’t have the time.

— Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
The whole joke is that Chandler is really bad at posing for photos.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of joke

Noun

Lawmakers who oppose him risk public ridicule, primary challenges and diminished political support.

— Stephanie A, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
The objects of female desire—boy bands, teen idols, soap opera characters, suspiciously close hockey players—have always been subject to ridicule.

— Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of ridicule

Noun

President Emmanuel Macron has been the primary target of scorn following nationwide riots that overtook Paris and other cities, but the insurgent National Rally does not want to let mainstream conservatives off the hook.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
Las Vegas’ Michael Mayer (six receptions, 32 yards) was a frequent target.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of target

Noun

But Thomas and Erika are no fools, coolly telling off smiling Hitler sympathizers during a tony reception.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The Atlanta Dream might now be the hottest ticket in town and State Farm Arena would be fools not to host them in Game 6.

— Don Riddell, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of fool

Browse Nearby Words

de rigueur

derision

derisions

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Derision.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derision. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of derision

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

milieu

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes