DERISIVE Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

derisive

adjective

di-ˈrī-siv

Definition of derisive

as in ridiculous

so foolish or pointless as to be worthy of scornful laughter the derisive performances of some of the singers on the talent show

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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 derisive The revelation quickly made headlines, and the social-media peanut gallery was sharply derisive. — Emma Sandler, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025 There is nothing quite like experiencing a truly terrible film with a room full of gleefully derisive bad-movie fans. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 30 Oct. 2025 Earlier that day, Minaj had posted derisive comments about Roc Nation, suggesting the company had unsuccessfully tried to sign her. — Andrew Flanagan, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025 While speaking to Jay Shetty on his podcast On Purpose in an episode released Wednesday, Watson spoke about the personal, derisive comments Rowling has made against her. — Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for derisive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for derisive

Adjective

In fact, a Texas jury once found that an alligator mascot infringed the beaver, so nobody should assume a judge shares their sense of the ridiculous.

— Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Throughout the evacuation, Olya fixates on the fact that men aged 18 to 60 are barred from leaving, all the while wearing a ridiculous big fluffy hat that seems to protect her more from the societal meltdown around her than from the cold.

— Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of ridiculous

Adjective

Every season of Strange New Worlds has featured at least one episode that emphasizes Star Trek’s silly side (and this may not be the last such outing in season four).

— Keith Phipps, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
The silly yellow fruit that became a part of their culture was freighted, from the start, with suggestive meaning.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of silly

Adjective

North Texas Howard WKU Northwestern Rutgers Nebraska That's a pathetic first six weeks.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Despite the Warriors operating with a pathetic sense of self-mortification — bending over backward for the mere possibility the King might grace them with his presence — the power of friendship wasn’t enough to lure James to the Bay.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026

Definition of pathetic

Adjective

The case that American leadership in this technology carries a genuine security dimension has never looked stupid to me.

— Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
The women are in stupid costumes (Heather Gay is dressed as a leprechaun at one point) and yelling at one another for yet-unknown reasons.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of stupid

Browse Nearby Words

derisions

derisive

derisory

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“Derisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derisive. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of derisive

adjective

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