derisive

[ dih-rahy-siv, -ris-iv ]

adjective

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

   derisive heckling.

derisive

/ dɪˈraɪsɪv; -zɪv /

adjective

1. showing or characterized by derision; mocking; scornful

Derived Forms

• deˈrisiveness, noun
• deˈrisively, adverb

Other Words From

• de·risive·ly adverb
• de·risive·ness noun
• nonde·risive adjective
• over·de·risive adjective
• over·de·risive·ly adverb
• over·de·risive·ness noun
• unde·risive adjective
• unde·risive·ly adverb
• unde·risive·ness noun
• unde·riso·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of derisive¹

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

Example Sentences

That, after all, has long been the approach of Gaetz, a hard-right member of the House since 2016 who is deeply unpopular among his Democratic and Republican colleagues, but has won praise from Trump by being unflinchingly defensive of the former and future president and openly derisive of the various state and federal criminal cases against him.

From Los Angeles Times

Biden, speaking of a derisive joke about Puerto Rico that a comedian made at a Trump rally on Sunday, appeared to refer to Trump supporters as “garbage”.

From BBC

The Crew’s new stadium, which opened in 1999, looked like a hunk of metal that lived up to its derisive nickname, “The Erector Set.”

From Los Angeles Times

Rather than just calling Trump a friend of dictators, she got deliciously derisive.

From Salon

Walz may counter by highlighting Vance’s past controversial statements – on Ohio Haitians and his derisive remarks about Democratic women who don’t have children being “childless cat ladies”.

From BBC

Related Words

• cheeky
• disdainful
• insulting
• mocking
• rude
• sarcastic
• scornful