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 His response was met with laughter and scoffs of disbelief from the audience.—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2024
Noun
His 60 points were nothing to scoff at.—The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 In 2025, cracking 200k first-week is nothing to scoff at for pretty much anyone.—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scoff
Tehran also has to say no to megaprojects that devour budgets and ecosystems.
—
Nik Kowsar,
Time,
2 Oct. 2025
Smith, the charity board member, stands in between the long blades of grass that have grown back where blazing fires devoured everything in its path just a year ago.
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.
LaRoche, watching from the sixth row, shot a smirk right back to her.
—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
John Lunn’s soaring score makes shots of Highclere Castle, which stands in for Downton Abbey, particularly magical; Anna Robbins’s luxurious costumes, all satin, lace, and brocade, are once again gorgeous; Nivola’s smirk is a welcome bit of Yankee attitude.
Players race to gobble up the most pepperoni marbles in each chaotic round.
—
Clint Davis,
PEOPLE,
6 Oct. 2025
Figure skaters with cats on their heads, dog astronauts gobbling tennis balls, unusually agile horseback riders standing astride multiple animals — these were some of the snippets seen in its short video presentation.
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