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Showing results for ridicule. Search instead for ridiculez.
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.

The author uses judgment and trusts instincts to initiate conversations, giving priority to connection over potential embarrassment or societal ridicule.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

"I am not for one minute dismissing that hurt, but directing anger and ridicule to people with Tourette's does nothing to heal that pain and does not move us forward."

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

But across the rest of social media, the film and its PR campaign have drawn ridicule with several internet users posting screenshots showing cinemas that have sold no seats for screenings of "Melania."

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

And while Congress, Europe and law may hold no terrors for our president, we all know ridicule hits him in his soft, white underbelly.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

You didn’t hold me up for ridicule, did you?

From "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher

Vocabulary lists containing ridicule

List 6

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English Words Derived from French, List 1

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Excerpt from "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"

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