Characterized by or expressing ridicule, insult or mockery (adjective)
Looking for the answer to the USA Today Rootonym clue “Characterized by or expressing ridicule, insult or mockery (adjective)”? The solution is DERISORY, a 8-letter word built on the root RIS (“laugh”). It appeared in the July 16, 2026 (Thursday) USA Today Rootonym. See the full puzzle for that day's other words.
Answer
DERISORY
**RIS***RISmeans “laugh”
In a sentence
Vicky was offended by a DERISORY comment following her report at the company meeting.
About this clue
The Rootonym clue “Characterized by or expressing ridicule, insult or mockery (adjective)” has the answer DERISORY (8 letters), built on the root RIS, which means “laugh”. Browse the full July 16, 2026 Rootonym puzzle for the other three words, or see all Rootonym answers.