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Definition of ridicule

ridicule

/ˈrɪd.ɪ.kjuːl/
rid · i · cule
Adverb:ridiculously
•
Adjective:ridiculous
•
Past Simple:ridiculed
•
Past Participle:ridiculed
•
Present Participle:ridiculing
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ridicule Lexical Profile

ridicule Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The subjection of someone or something to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior.

Example

"The scientist faced widespread ridicule from his peers when he first proposed his unconventional theory."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To subject someone or something to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior.

Example

"Critics were quick to ridicule the artist's experimental sculptures when the exhibition opened."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ridicule
Antonyms
View all antonyms for ridicule

• Nearby Words

ridgepole
ridgetop
ridgy
ridicule
ridiculer
ridiculous
ridiculously

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 17th century from French ridicule, from Latin ridiculum ('a jest'), the neuter noun use of the adjective ridiculus ('laughable'), derived from the verb ridere ('to laugh').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ridicule. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ridicule
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