howls of derision

USAGE SUMMARY

'howls of derision' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe loud and scornful laughter or jeering. For example, "As the politician tried to explain his controversial decision, he was met with howls of derision from the angry crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

This brought howls of derision from Tehran.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Rivkin recalled, "We were met with howls of derision".

The New York Times

To howls of derision, Miliband said: "No, I don't".

The Guardian

Cue the howls of derision and outcries of "but that is sooo expensive" right about now.

The New York Times

The launch of a Greene King "craft" range in 2013 brought angry howls of derision.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

71 mins: Howls of derision as Sir Jonny pulls a second dropped goal attempt wide.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Both Pukwans burst into howls and sneers of derision.

The New Yorker

With ridicule, snickers and hoots of derision.

The New York Times - Food

– hits the shelves, usually to decent and only slightly sniffy reviews (sometimes, to be fair, to quite excitable reviews) while, off-stage, barely heard, howls of laughter and derision issue from the science fiction community.

The Guardian - Books

For all its basis in political and historical frustrations and affirmations, "Viktoria" is an exquisitely stylized film, with precisely composed and timed images of a delicate and involute whimsy that stifles howls of rage and derision, quiet and terse dialogue that distills lifelong passions and longings in the lacerating undertones of simple phrases that glint like blades catching sunlight.

The New Yorker

The announcer declared the attendance to be above six thousand, but when Rostov scored a second goal, to go up 2 0, individual howls of joy and derision could easily be heard rattling around the twenty-eight-thousand-eight-hundred-capacity stadium, as if they were the cheers of parents at a school match.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "howls of derision" to vividly depict strong, negative reactions from a group, typically in response to a statement, action, or idea that is considered foolish or absurd.

Common error

Avoid using "howls of derision" to describe mild disapproval or disagreement. This phrase implies a loud, scornful, and often public expression of contempt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "howls of derision" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject of a verb. It describes a specific type of reaction characterized by loud, scornful sounds. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and readily usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

15%

Entertainment

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "howls of derision" effectively portrays a loud and scornful reaction, often in public settings. Predominantly used in news, sports, and entertainment contexts, it vividly conveys intense disapproval and ridicule. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While alternatives such as "expressions of scorn" or "jeers of contempt" exist, "howls of derision" offers a particularly evocative description of collective scorn. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where the disapproval is both strong and openly expressed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jeers of contempt

Uses "jeers" to describe the vocalizations and "contempt" to express the feeling, providing a slightly more formal tone.

cries of mockery

Replaces "howls" with "cries", maintaining a similar level of intensity while using a different term for the expression of derision.

outbursts of ridicule

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful nature of the reaction, replacing "howls" with "outbursts" and using "ridicule".

sounds of mockery

Focuses on the auditory aspect of derision, using "sounds" instead of "howls" and "mockery" instead of "derision".

scoffs of disdain

Indicates a dismissive and contemptuous reaction, with "scoffs" replacing the more overt "howls".

expressions of scorn

Replaces the vivid imagery of "howls" with a more general term for expressing contempt.

waves of scorn

This option suggests a widespread and intense feeling of contempt.

laughter of ridicule

Specifically mentions laughter as the form of derision, which may not always be the case with howls.

chorus of disapproval

Conveys the idea of widespread rejection or disagreement, softening the intensity compared to "howls".

snorts of contempt

Implies a more subtle, yet still disdainful, reaction compared to loud "howls".

FAQs

How can I use "howls of derision" in a sentence?

You can use "howls of derision" to describe a situation where a statement or action is met with loud and scornful laughter or jeering. For example, "The politician's proposal was met with "howls of derision" from the opposition party".

What are some alternatives to "howls of derision"?

Some alternatives to "howls of derision" include "expressions of scorn", "jeers of contempt", or "outbursts of ridicule". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "howls of derision" in formal writing?

While "howls of derision" is understandable in formal writing, it is more common in journalistic or narrative contexts. For formal analyses, consider alternatives like "strong disapproval" or "scornful rejection" to maintain a more detached tone.

What's the difference between "howls of derision" and "cries of outrage"?

"Howls of derision" imply scorn and ridicule, suggesting that something is foolish or absurd. "Cries of outrage", on the other hand, express anger and indignation, indicating that something is considered unjust or morally wrong. Therefore "cries of outrage" don't focus on the ridicule.