JEER Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of jeer are fleer , flout , gibe , scoff , and sneer . While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision. // the crowd jeered at the prisoners

Q: When could 'fleer' be used to replace 'jeer'?

In some situations, the words fleer and jeer are roughly equivalent. However, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively. // the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

Q: In what contexts can 'flout' take the place of 'jeer'?

The words flout and jeer can be used in similar contexts, but flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed. // flouted the conventions of polite society

Q: Where would 'gibe' be a reasonable alternative to 'jeer'?

While the synonyms gibe and jeer are close in meaning, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision. // hooted and gibed at the umpire

Q: When can 'scoff' be used instead of 'jeer'?

While in some cases nearly identical to jeer , scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision. // scoffed at their concerns

Q: When is it sensible to use 'sneer' instead of 'jeer'?

The words sneer and jeer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice. // sneered at anything romantic

jeer 1 of 2

noun

Definition of jeer

as in snort

a vocal sound made to express scorn or disapproval ignored the jeers of the other team's fans and just focused on making her free throw shot

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jeer

2 of 2

verb

ˈjir

as in to ridicule

to make (someone or something) the object of unkind laughter the unforgiving crowd jeered the magician when the final trick went awry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word jeer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of jeer are fleer, flout, gibe, scoff, and sneer. While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

When could fleer be used to replace jeer?

In some situations, the words fleer and jeer are roughly equivalent. However, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

In what contexts can flout take the place of jeer?

The words flout and jeer can be used in similar contexts, but flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

Where would gibe be a reasonable alternative to jeer?

While the synonyms gibe and jeer are close in meaning, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

When can scoff be used instead of jeer?

While in some cases nearly identical to jeer, scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

When is it sensible to use sneer instead of jeer?

The words sneer and jeer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

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 jeer

Noun

With boos and jeers ringing around Expo Idaho at the referees, AC Boise continued to pepper the Portland box with dangerous crosses and shots. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026 Tel Aviv — A wave of jeers greeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel’s parliament prepared for a blitz of controversial legislation in the government’s closing days. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Verb

Graduates boo speakers for mentioning AI At multiple college graduation ceremonies around the country, graduates and audience members were seen booing and jeering speeches. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 21 June 2026 As Heuermann was led away in handcuffs, spectators in the packed courtroom seemed to jeer. — Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for jeer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for jeer

Noun

The class had been quiet after the camp text, but now there was at least one snort.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
The Rodents of Unusual Size that attack Westley in a swamp work because they are played by small men in rodent suits, rather than coolly conjured from pixels; their deliberate artifice is the thrill, and Reiner provided the voice for their hideous snorts.

— Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025

Definition of snort

Verb

Beloved by younger fans who remember the sneaker’s original 2013 release, the style is sometimes ridiculed by purists, but that doesn’t make its inclusion any less valid.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026
Perhaps the biggest challenge is the infrastructure required to ensure there are no major glitches — which have led to ridicule for the company when they’ve been posted to social media.

— Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of ridicule

Verb

Her style of rental therapy is to mock, then mend; heckle, then help.

— Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2026
The sources firmly rejected the draft declarations, characterizing them as publicity stunts designed to mock the league, sow division, and draw attention to the topic by demeaning others.

— Wayne Sterling, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of mock

Noun

Orlando Bloom flashes a shirtless smirk while on vacation in Marmi, Italy on July 26.

— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
His trademark smirk and knowing stare are now feared by any opponent up against Norway, but don’t be fooled into thinking Haaland isn’t serious about his career.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

Definition of smirk

Noun

Venomous boos greeted the announcement of his name among the Chelsea substitutes ahead of kick-off.

— Liam Twomey, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Freedom responded and stepped toward the floor, prompting security to intervene and usher the 11-year NBA veteran out as the Chicago crowd rained down boos.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of boo

Noun

As executed, the 2019 show is an emotional yet refreshingly unsentimental black comedy that snickers in the face of empowerment buzzwords like, well, healing journey.

— Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Classic cookies come in 11 flavors like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, snicker doodle, white chocolate macadamia nut, fruity pebbles, monster and white chocolate cranberry.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2026

Definition of snicker

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“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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