How is the word scoff distinct from other similar verbs?
Some common synonyms of scoff are fleer, flout, gibe, jeer, and sneer. While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.
scoffed at their concerns
In what contexts can fleer take the place of scoff?
While in some cases nearly identical to scoff, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.
the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity
When can flout be used instead of scoff?
Although the words flout and scoff have much in common, flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.
flouted the conventions of polite society
When might gibe be a better fit than scoff?
In some situations, the words gibe and scoff are roughly equivalent. However, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.
hooted and gibed at the umpire
When could jeer be used to replace scoff?
The synonyms jeer and scoff are sometimes interchangeable, but jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.
the crowd jeered at the prisoners
Where would sneer be a reasonable alternative to scoff?
The words sneer and scoff can be used in similar contexts, but sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.
sneered at anything romantic
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scoff
Verb
Thankfully things didn't escalate beyond a scoff in this case, but what should a traveler do in a similar situation to handle a pushy fellow passenger civilly?—Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024 In the past, when my friends and I were bold enough to ask that the television behind the bar be changed to a Wisconsin women's volleyball game, it was met by scoffs from a few Brewers fans who couldn't be bothered to turn their chairs to look at the two other TVs in the room.—Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2024
Noun
Asked whether flying the banner of another country during a protest should be deemed offensive or counterproductive, Kim scoffed and shook his head.—Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025 Trump was asked about the trade during a press conference with reporters Wednesday and scoffed at the trend.—Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for scoff
In the wake of the box office devouring of Jurassic World: Rebirth, its lead, Scarlett Johansson, has just broken a Hollywood record.
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Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
The seventh installment in Universal’s long-running dino series — this time starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali — has devoured a mighty $318 million worldwide since Wednesday, including $147 million at the domestic box office.
Yungblud’s voice — a piercing yelp that exists somewhere between Gerard Way’s wail and Brian Molko’s sneer — slotted him in the alt-rock world, but his aspirations seemed to stretch far beyond that categorization.
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Maura Johnston,
Rolling Stone,
21 June 2025
His voice—typically pitched between a bellow and a sneer—was instantly recognizable to the couple that night.
The Plague is exquisitely cast, from the Nickelodeon star smirk of ringleader Jake (Kayo Martin) to his cohen target Eli (Kenny Rasmussen), a genuine oddball.
—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
27 May 2025
But watching a group of roughnecks on a rig in grubby overalls moving huge, long steel pipes, Dugan's smile begins to fade to a smirk.
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Keeping your head above water can help reduce the likelihood of gulping down germs.
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Angela Haupt,
Time,
23 May 2025
Astronomers have captured the clearest view to date of a massive young star gulping down swirling gas, offering a rare glimpse into how these cosmic titans grow to their enormous sizes.
The event took place in New York’s Coney Island on Friday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to around 1 p.m, with the women's competition kicking things off before the men gobbled down their dogs.
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Logan Holland,
People.com,
4 July 2025
There are numerous balls that would likely be gobbled up by a more athletic player that end up in right field.
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