TAUNT Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of taunt are deride , mock , and ridicule . While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge. // hometown fans taunted the visiting team

Q: When could 'deride' be used to replace 'taunt'?

The words deride and taunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule. // derided their efforts to start their own business

Q: When would 'mock' be a good substitute for 'taunt'?

Although the words mock and taunt have much in common, mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference. // youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

Q: In what contexts can 'ridicule' take the place of 'taunt'?

The synonyms ridicule and taunt are sometimes interchangeable, but ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling. // consistently ridiculed everything she said

taunt 1 of 2

verb

ˈtȯnt

Definition of taunt next

as in to tease

to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults the principal reminded the student athletes that taunting their opponents was not showing good sportsmanship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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taunt

2 of 2

noun

as in jeer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word taunt distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of taunt are deride, mock, and ridicule. While all these words mean "to make an object of laughter of," taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge.

hometown fans taunted the visiting team

When could deride be used to replace taunt?

The words deride and taunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

derided their efforts to start their own business

When would mock be a good substitute for taunt?

Although the words mock and taunt have much in common, mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference.

youngsters began to mock the helpless wino

In what contexts can ridicule take the place of taunt?

The synonyms ridicule and taunt are sometimes interchangeable, but ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling.

consistently ridiculed everything she said

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of taunt

Verb

The killers stuffed the playing card, with a club suit that looked like a plum blossom, down her back along with a note written in Chinese, saying her family failed to pay the ransom and taunting cops to find them. —

John Annese, New York Daily News, 14 Dec. 2024 Even after he was sanctioned by the U.S., Matveev appeared to taunt U.S. law enforcement, posting a picture of his wanted poster on a t-shirt. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024

Noun

Your tips, taunts and daily interactions make our Grinchy hearts grow three sizes every day. —

Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 27 Nov. 2024 Seated in Section 122, the 404 Crew will house the Hawks’ loudest and most rowdy fans, who will be integrated within the game presentation team to create chants and routines to inspire the players and comical taunts to distract the opponents. —

Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for taunt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for taunt

Verb

Pro Pickleball gets its first Video Game In mid July 2024, the PPA Pickleball video game, teased in Nov 2023, is officially released.

— Todd Boss, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Tesla has officially revealed the latest version of its Model Y crossover following images leaking online that teased the best-selling EV’s redesign.

— Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 10 Jan. 2025