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Taunt vs. Taut
Taunt and taut may easily be confused. The words are similar in spelling and pronunciation, though the resemblance does not extent to their syntax or meanings. Taut is an adjective that is most often used to refer to something that is pulled tight, like "a taut rope," or is bulging or filled to capacity, like "taut muscles." Taunt is a noun and a verb that refers to teasing or making fun of a person. That the two words sound similar creates confusion, and taunt, being the more common word, is sometimes substituted for taut. You can remember the difference between the two by remembering that tight and taut both lack the n of taunt.
Examples of taunt in a Sentence
Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025
However, the league seemingly deemed his actions not punishment-worthy, saving Mahomes from an $11,593 first-offense taunting penalty.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
That old taunt was never more appropriate than during the Chargers’ 38-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for taunt
Cite this Entry
“Taunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taunt. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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