SCOFF Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

scoff 1 of 2

verb

Definition of scoff

as in to devour

to swallow or eat greedily scoffed dinner before running off to the basketball game

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scoff

2 of 2

noun

as in sneer

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of scoff

Verb

Lendeborg scoffed at that talking point. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 11 June 2026 Several students testified that Metcalf, after ordering Anthony to leave his team’s tent, scoffed before Anthony reached a hand into a bag and pulled out a knife. — Jamie Stengle, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026

Noun

Demands to do more from either Barack or Michelle Obama are often met with scoffs by longtime supporters, such as Natalie Graves, a clinical social worker who was at Chicago’s Grant Park when the couple took the victory stage in November 2008. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 28 June 2025 Banks call credit union bill ‘bad policy’ The North Carolina Bankers Association trade group opposes the bill and scoffs at the idea that banks have deserted communities. — Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scoff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scoff

Verb

That's because the mechanisms by which black holes devour matter to grow and then merge to create even more massive black holes should take at least 1 billion years to achieve supermassive status.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 July 2026
Is there another dish that consumers routinely devour despite scientific research showing each serving takes about 36 minutes off your life, at least according to the University of Michigan?

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of devour

Noun

The film’s sincerity — the quality critics praised most — was met with a sneer rather than a response.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026
With his rakish sneer and ruthlessly tight jodhpurs, Rupert has been thoroughly neutered with irony, transformed into an object for women to pick at.

— Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026

Definition of sneer

Verb

Dangers from wildfire smoke Smoke is made up of tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into a person's lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

— Ava Berger, NPR, 16 July 2026
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia typically contracted by inhaling tiny water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of inhale

Noun

His trademark smirk and knowing stare are now feared by any opponent up against Norway, but don’t be fooled into thinking Haaland isn’t serious about his career.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Robinson appeared to furrow his brow and smirk as the text messages about the engravings were displayed in the courtroom.

— Hannah Schoenbaum, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of smirk

Verb

Young orcas then gobbled up fish fragments that drifted through the water as their elders tore into what was left of the sunfish’s corpse.

— Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
The remaining mainstream buyers, who are far more price-sensitive and less willing to tolerate the inconveniences of electric vehicles, aren’t gobbling up the technology.

— Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of gobble

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scissors

scoff

scoff (at)

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“Scoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scoff. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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