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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ridicule
Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2025
In contrast, those who leaned on injurious humor styles, such as sarcasm, ridicule or self-deprecating jokes, were perceived less favorably.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
David Weigel, semafor.com, 18 June 2025
But while others might see something to ridicule, Margarita sees something entirely different: a way to belong.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ridicule
Noun
The rampant skepticism of Cassie and the ridicule of her pain reflect a societal conditioning that denies Black women genuine victimhood.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2025
In contrast, those who leaned on injurious humor styles, such as sarcasm, ridicule or self-deprecating jokes, were perceived less favorably.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
Videos of him saying that have been ridiculed by the anti-war right this week – one of them, a prediction that removing Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq would weaken Iran, was conclusively proven wrong.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 18 June 2025
But while others might see something to ridicule, Margarita sees something entirely different: a way to belong.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ridicule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ridicule
Noun
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This containment allows partners to express anger, frustration or hurt without slipping into destructive patterns like contempt, stonewalling or emotional withdrawal.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Rather, state law says they can be held in contempt of court or sued by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
Verb
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And of course, that following Sunday, Oliver did indeed mock his corporate bosses for the move.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
8 July 2025
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Many wanted Tiger to comment, but others chose to mock Williams.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 July 2025
Noun
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In speeches and interviews as health secretary, Kennedy has made clear his disdain for mainstream autism research, brushing aside the insights gained for this tremendously complex condition through years of research.—
Caren Zucker,
The Atlantic,
6 July 2025
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Mason's family murmured their disdain from the back of the courtroom while Broadwell addressed her.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
Noun
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Curiously, for someone who has tasked himself with explaining Manhattan’s late ‘70s downtown renaissance, Gould regards many of the key players in that scene with derision bordering on contempt.—
Marc Weingarten,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2025
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The American novelist Kurt Vonnegut, on the other hand, was steadfast in his derision of the semicolon.—
Sara Hashemi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
17 June 2025
Noun
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Expect laughter, reflection, and real talk that inspires.—
Essence,
Essence,
6 July 2025
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The remark by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies to fellow New York Rep. Elise Stefanik sparked laughter and several surprised reactions from other Democrats seated in the chamber.—
Jackson Walker,
Baltimore Sun,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ridicule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ridicule. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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