Meaning & use
derisive
Expressing contempt or ridicule, often through mocking words, laughter, or a sneering tone.
See it in a sentence
A derisive laugh from the back of the room made the nervous speaker lose his place.
Critics gave the film a derisive review, calling it the worst of the year.
A note on using this word
Derisive describes the tone of an insult or reaction, while 'derisory' more often describes something too small to take seriously, like a derisory offer.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
respectfuladmiring
Make it your own
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