ridicule

1 of 2

noun

rid·​i·​cule ˈri-də-ˌkyül How to pronounce ridicule (audio)
Synonyms of ridicule
: the act of ridiculing : derision, mockery

ridicule

2 of 2

verb

ridiculed; ridiculing

transitive verb

: to make fun of
ridiculer noun

Synonyms of ridicule

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Noun

Verb

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Choose the Right Synonym for ridicule

ridicule, deride, mock, taunt mean to make an object of laughter of.

ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

the other kids mocked the way he laughed

taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge.

hometown fans taunted the visiting team

Examples of ridicule in a Sentence

Noun She didn't show anyone her artwork for fear of ridicule. the early efforts by the suffragists to obtain voting rights for women were met with ridicule Verb The other kids ridiculed him for the way he dressed. They ridiculed all of her suggestions.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
And the final days of Michigan’s primary brought a boom market for ridicule of Stevens. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026 The news comes as a shock given the ridicule Ferrari endured following the car’s release in May. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Verb
The blogger has been on a years-long apology tour after relentlessly ridiculing celebrities in the 2000s. — Ethan Beck, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2026 At this point, the only reason not to ridicule candidates is the fear of backlash. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ridicule

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French or Latin; French, from Latin ridiculum jest

First Known Use

Noun

1675, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1680, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ridicule was in 1675

Phrases Containing ridicule

Rhymes for ridicule

See All Rhymes for ridicule

Browse Nearby Words

ridgy
ridicule
ridiculer
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Cite this Entry

“Ridicule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ridicule. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ridicule

1 of 2 noun
rid·​i·​cule ˈrid-ə-ˌkyü(ə)l How to pronounce ridicule (audio)
: the act of making fun of someone or something : derision

ridicule

2 of 2 verb
ridiculed; ridiculing
: to make fun of : deride
ridiculer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ridicule

Nglish: Translation of ridicule for Spanish Speakers

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