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Synonyms

taunt

1 American  
[tawnt, tahnt] / tɔnt, tɑnt /

verb (used with object)

  1. to reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; mock.

    Synonyms:
    insult, flout, upbraid, censure

  2. to provoke by taunts; twit.

    Synonyms:
    jeer

noun

  1. an insulting gibe or sarcasm; scornful reproach or challenge.

    Synonyms:
    ridicule, censure, derision, insult, scoff

  2. Obsolete. an object of insulting gibes or scornful reproaches.

taunt 2 American  
[tawnt, tahnt] / tɔnt, tɑnt /

adjective

Nautical.

  1. tall, as a mast.

taunt 1 British  
/ tɔːnt /

verb

  1. to provoke or deride with mockery, contempt, or criticism

  2. to tease; tantalize

"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

noun

  1. a jeering remark

  2. archaic the object of mockery

"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
taunt 2 British  
/ tɔːnt /

adjective

  1. nautical (of the mast or masts of a sailing vessel) unusually tall

"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

Related Words

See ridicule.

Other Word Forms

  • taunter noun
  • taunting adjective
  • tauntingly adverb
  • untaunted adjective

Etymology

Origin of taunt1

First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain

Origin of taunt2

First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain

Explanation

A short list of people not to taunt: your big brother, nightclub bouncers, evil wizards. Taunts are insulting comments, and, unless you are a really, really fast runner, keep them to yourself. Taunting is often associated with large groups picking on an individual. A mob might call out a hated king from his castle with taunts and jeers. Bullying can also take the form of taunting — something that teachers, administrators, parents, and students are working together to stop.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing taunt

List 4

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The Crossover

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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

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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.

The residents cheer and taunt and follow from a safe distance.

From Slate • Feb. 11, 2026

Some would openly taunt ICE officers by waving through the window or passing notes under the door.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Smith was sacked as captain as a result of the ball-tampering episode against South Africa and it is often used by England fans as a taunt to the 36-year-old.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025

It’s a mean taunt that comes from a sibling, unaware that civilization is crumpling around him.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 26, 2025

He doesn’t gloat like Malcolm would or taunt me like Aimee did whenever she won at Battleship.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

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.