jeer 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jeer

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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
When, in 1987, protesters marched through Forsyth to shed light on its racist underbelly, they were met with jeers and rocks hurled by white supremacists, including members of the Klu Klux Klan. Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024 Entering Saturday night's matchup between the National League East rivals, Arcia might hope that the Phillies' fans continue to shower him with jeers. Field Level Media, Reuters, 31 Aug. 2024
Verb
Certain shortsighted business mistakes live on in jeering lore: Blockbuster rejecting Netflix comes to mind, as does Twentieth Century Fox giving up sequel rights to Star Wars. Sally Jenkins, Washington Post, 19 July 2024 That a freshman senator and sharp-elbowed critic of long-standing party orthodoxy was given a hero’s welcome in Milwaukee, while the longest-serving Senate leader in history was jeered at, says something profound about the future of the GOP. Brittany Bernstein, National Review, 17 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for jeer 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jeer
Noun
  • But back in the late 90s, people could crush the pills, turning a slow-release narcotic into a rapidly acting drug, a snort or injection leading to an intense high.
    Peter Ubel, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024
  • And while it can be linked to a variety of health risks in those who are affected, snoring also takes a toll on bed partners who struggle to get some shuteye in the midst of a cacophony of snorts and rumbles.
    Carly Weeks, TIME, 7 Aug. 2024
Verb
  • While popular with more liberal viewers, the show is also often ridiculed by conservatives as being too soft and too partisan.
    Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Trump regularly ridicules broadcast networks and major news organizations that are critical of him and has recently called on the U.S. government to crack down on broadcast outlets.
    Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • The Wilfried Zaha mural at Selhurst Park (The Athletic) What has never changed are the gripes and sneers that have attached themselves to this part of SE25, in the London borough of Croydon, for longer than Palace fans would probably wish to remember.
    Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 28 Aug. 2024
  • Mazzoli piles unstable harmonies on top of that fractured foundation; trombone glissandos add a demonic sneer.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Russia has sent two prototypes of its latest fighter jet in service, the stealth Su-57, to China for an airshow, where they were reportedly mocked for their poor workmanship and conditions.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Previously, he was mocked for showcasing what appeared to be a truly terrible Elden Ring build (see above).
    Paul Tassi, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Ben Daniels’s charming smirk has not convinced me, though.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2024
  • The smirk of a male who’s knows he’s protected by a misogynist sporting establishment enjoying the distress of a woman he’s just punched in the head, and whose life’s ambition he’s just shattered.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 1 Aug. 2024
Noun
  • Any update that had Trump leading inspired vigorous boos.
    Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024
  • After 10 years of boos, ‘VC SUCKS’ chants, and much, much more, the moment that helped turn the corner between Carter and the city of Toronto was when he was honored while playing for the Grizzlies in 2014.
    Esfandiar Baraheni, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Could anyone utter these lofty words today without courting a chorus of snickers, a social-media immolation?
    George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Sugar might have caught its share of snickers when its big plot twist was revealed, but Colin Farrell is a huge movie star who carried that show, and that should be enough to give him the edge.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 July 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near jeer

Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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