derisively

American

[di-rahy-siv-lee, di-ris-iv-lee, di-riz-iv-lee] / dɪˈraɪ sɪv li, dɪˈrɪs ɪv li, dɪˈrɪz ɪv li /

adverb

in a derisive way; with sneering or scoffing; scornfully.

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.

Duer was also an inveterate speculator and get-rich-quick schemer: “king of the alley,” as Thomas Jefferson derisively referred External link to Wall Street.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

These girls make up what the school’s fusty headmistress, Miss Mackay, derisively labels “the Brodie set.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

The amount of money the county planned to spend on an independent investigator added to the tensions: Some derisively called the veteran prosecutor “Millionaire Middleton.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2024

Clips of this moment went viral on social media, and cable news hosts laughed derisively.

From Salon • Oct. 13, 2024

"You always act so guilty," Hamilton said derisively.

From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos

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