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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Recent Examples of derisive
No matter its critics or the accumulation of derisive labels—corporate feminism, girlboss feminism, lean-in feminism, white feminism—a feminism of self-interested striving is the order of the day.
—
Hazlitt, 4 Sep. 2024
And online advertisements by Canadian airlines for trips to sunnier U.S. winter destinations have been met with derisive comments and calls to vacation in Canada.
—Ian Willms, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2025
Swisher was referring to Trump’s derisive nickname for Warren, Pocahontas, last aimed at her during his address last Tuesday night.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
Trump has made a political career out of insulting his adversaries and making up derisive nicknames for them.
—Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for derisive
Hazlitt, 4 Sep. 2024
And online advertisements by Canadian airlines for trips to sunnier U.S. winter destinations have been met with derisive comments and calls to vacation in Canada.
—Ian Willms, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2025
Swisher was referring to Trump’s derisive nickname for Warren, Pocahontas, last aimed at her during his address last Tuesday night.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
Trump has made a political career out of insulting his adversaries and making up derisive nicknames for them.
—Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for derisive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for derisive
Adjective
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What’s even harder to believe is the ridiculous verse Wayne tees it off with.—
Pitchfork,
Pitchfork,
6 June 2025
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While season 3 has already dropped and delivered its fair share of ridiculous drama, fans shouldn't get too cozy because season 4 is coming in hot with even more secrets, scandals, and explosive revelations.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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There’s the undercurrent of politics stirring animus between the neighbors, with Canadians angered by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and his absurd aside saying perhaps Canada should be the 51st U.S. state.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
5 June 2025
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The concept itself is absurd, given the modest park features.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Alas, during one night siege (silly enough to not scare the little ones, even as the entire village repeatedly goes up in flames), Hiccup aims his weapon at the shape of a Night Fury (no one, we’re told repeatedly, as ever really seen one), shoots, and … what!—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 June 2025
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Still, sometimes Forrest’s demands seemed nitpicky, silly even.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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Anyone who tells you different is a liar (and pathetic, and alone in life).—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
30 May 2025
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The politicized fantasy and horror films by Ryan Coogler and Jordan Peele are merely pathetic.—
Armond White,
National Review,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Derisive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/derisive. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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