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Definitions

ridicule

[rid-i-kyool] / ˈrɪd ɪˌkyul /
NOUN
contemptuous laughter at someone or something
Synonyms
STRONGEST
caricature contempt derision disdain jeer laughter mockery parody sarcasm satire scorn taunt taunting
STRONG
badinage banter buffoonery burlesque comeback dig disparagement farce foolery gibe irony jab needling persiflage put on raillery roast slam sneer swipe travesty
WEAK
mordancy parting shot put down sardonicism
Antonyms
STRONGEST
admiration approval compliment flattery love praise respect
STRONG
commendation
VERB
make contemptuous fun of something or someone
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deride humiliate lampoon mock scoff scorn taunt
STRONG
banter caricature cartoon chaff deflate expose fleer gibe haze jape jeer jive jolly josh kid mimic needle parody pooh-pooh quiz rag rally rib ride roast satirize sneer takeoff travesty twit unmask
WEAK
laugh at make a fool of make a game of make a laughingstock make fun of poke fun at pull one's leg put down rail at razz run down send up show up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
approve compliment flatter praise
STRONG
be serious

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Meanwhile, the management of the captain‑led pre‑kick‑off huddle in the 1-0 home loss to Newcastle drew ridicule and frustrated officials, and Rosenior's side have appeared increasingly open defensively during their run of three straight defeats.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

The plaintiffs said in their lawsuit that the posts and videos caused them “humiliation, ridicule, mental distress, embarrassment and loss of reputation” and made it difficult to do their law enforcement work.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

He attracted online ridicule in 2019 when he replied to his own social media post with: "Fantastic. Great move. Well done Angus".

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Over time, cadets concentrating in social sciences formed an elite enclave, which became an object of resentment and ridicule among some more hidebound officers.

From Slate • Feb. 9, 2026

As if preparing for the worst is somehow worthy of ridicule.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.