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Synonyms

derisive

American  
[dih-rahy-siv, -ris-iv] / dɪˈraɪ sɪv, -ˈrɪs ɪv /
Also derisory

adjective

  1. characterized by or expressing derision; contemptuous; mocking.

    derisive heckling.
derisive British  
/ dɪˈraɪsɪv, -zɪv /

adjective

  1. showing or characterized by derision; mocking; scornful

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • derisively adverb
  • derisiveness noun
  • nonderisive adjective
  • overderisive adjective
  • overderisively adverb
  • overderisiveness noun
  • underisive adjective
  • underisively adverb
  • underisiveness noun
  • underisory adjective

Etymology

Origin of derisive

First recorded in 1655–65; deris(ion) + -ive

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.

It was a time when creator Scott Adams wasn’t just a recognizable name but something of an aspirational one, when “the Dilbert guy” was more an affectionate nickname than a derisive shorthand.

From Slate • Jan. 14, 2026

The title sounds derisive, but the show is anything but.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

Democrats are used to derisive criticism from Trump, of course.

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2025

He also appeared to be adopting a new derisive nickname for him.

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2024

“Are you okay?” he said, after a long, derisive pause.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.