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
Rodríguez Parra scoffed at the notion that a real gang member would make such a video.—Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, 18 July 2025 Late Saturday, however, Machado scoffed when presented with the perception that his friendship with Jay remained intact.—Dennis Lin, New York Times, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for scoff
Jacob sneers, but doesn’t even wait for his son to answer.
—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
15 Aug. 2025
The single, meanwhile, is ushered in with a gripping bass line and an undercurrent of keyboards until Osbourne makes his grand vocal entrance, all sneers and snarls.
Edmonton lineup changes The list of Oilers who could gulp pregame hot dogs Thursday now includes defenseman John Klingberg, a game worst minus three in Game 3 after being one of five Oilers who were minus one in Game 2.
—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2025
Mindful Coffee Or Tea Break Instead of gulping your drink while answering emails, try this: Hold the cup, feel its warmth, smell the aroma and enjoy the first sip.
Leafy cherry trees, the fruit all gone, gobbled up by us and by the birds, and trees with ripening white and flat peaches.
—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Aug. 2025
Across the state, corporate owners have gobbled up tens of thousands of homes and converted them to rentals and caused the makeup of neighborhoods to shift.
—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 2025
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