scoff

scoff, jeer, gibe, fleer, sneer, flout mean to show one's contempt in derision or mockery. scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

• • scoffed at their concerns

jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

• • the crowd jeered at the prisoners

gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

• • hooted and gibed at the umpire

fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

• • the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

• • sneered at anything romantic

flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

• • flouted the conventions of polite society