met with ridicule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "met with ridicule" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is subjected to mockery or scorn. Example: "The scientist's groundbreaking theory was met with ridicule from his peers, who were skeptical of his findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Our presentation was met with ridicule.

The New York Times

The proposal met with ridicule in some corners.

The New York Times

Stunts such as diving for (planted) ancient amphoras have been met with ridicule.

The Economist

The illustration of Clark shared by the team was shortly met with ridicule and parody online.

The New Yorker

His initial studies, published more than 10 years ago, were met with ridicule.

Independent

But astrology is sometimes met with ridicule or derision by scientists and non-believers.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Though they allow singers to redefine themselves, if only briefly, such ventures meet with ridicule more often than praise.

The New York Times - Arts

The tie breakers were met with derision and ridicule around the world.

The New York Times - Sports

The study amounted to a single page and was met with widespread ridicule from economists.

The Washington Post

There was a staged retrieval of ancient amphorae from six feet of water, which met with widespread ridicule.

The New York Times

The news was met with some ridicule on Twitter, where she faced accusations of attempting to create a nanny state.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "met with ridicule" to describe situations where ideas, actions, or individuals face strong disapproval or mockery, especially when highlighting the unexpected or unwarranted nature of the negative response. This phrase can add emphasis and convey a sense of injustice or misunderstanding.

Common error

Avoid using "met with ridicule" when the reaction is simply critical analysis or disagreement. "Ridicule" implies mockery and contempt, not just differing opinions. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where the response is disproportionately harsh and dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "met with ridicule" functions as a passive voice construction. It describes the reception of something, indicating that the subject received ridicule, rather than initiating it. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a common English phrase used to denote strong disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "met with ridicule" effectively conveys a strong negative reaction characterized by mockery and scorn. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and commonly used. Its appearance is frequent in contexts such as News & Media, Academia and Wiki. When using the expression, be mindful of the strong connotation and reserve it for scenarios where the response is truly dismissive, not just critical. Consider alternatives like "faced scorn" or "was derided" if a less intense expression is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was greeted with mockery

Replaces "ridicule" with a synonym, "mockery", maintaining the core meaning.

was subject to mockery

Similar to 'greeted with mockery', but uses a different verb to convey the same meaning.

was derided

Emphasizes the expression of contemptuous ridicule.

was mocked

Highlights the act of making fun of someone or something.

was scoffed at

Suggests a dismissive and mocking reaction.

faced scorn

Focuses on the feeling of contempt or disdain received.

was treated with contempt

Emphasizes the feeling of disrespect and disdain received.

was laughed at

Focuses on the act of expressing amusement or scorn through laughter.

was jeered at

Highlights a loud and prolonged expression of disapproval.

drew laughter

Implies ridicule by suggesting the subject caused laughter, often in a dismissive way.

FAQs

How can I use "met with ridicule" in a sentence?

You can use "met with ridicule" to describe a situation where someone's idea, proposal, or action was mocked or scorned. For example: "His suggestion to reduce the budget was "met with ridicule" by the board members."

What are some alternatives to "met with ridicule"?

Some alternatives to "met with ridicule" include "faced scorn", "was mocked", or "was derided". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "met with ridicule" in formal writing?

Yes, "met with ridicule" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing negative reactions to proposals, ideas, or actions. However, ensure the context warrants the strong connotation of mockery and scorn.

What's the difference between "met with ridicule" and "met with criticism"?

"Met with ridicule" implies a mocking or contemptuous response, whereas "met with criticism" simply means the subject was evaluated negatively. "Met with criticism" is a more neutral term and doesn't necessarily imply scorn.