scoff 1 of 2

Definition of scoffnext
as in to devour
to swallow or eat greedily scoffed dinner before running off to the basketball game

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scoff

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

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
Throughout his campaign, naysayers had scoffed at the idea that Mamdani could convince enough legislators in Albany to secure state funding to make childcare free starting at age two citywide. Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026 There was a time the college and pro games were so markedly different that people scoffed at the idea of coaches floating from one game to another. Tim Cowlishaw, Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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 See All Example Sentences for scoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scoff
Verb
  • But these categories devour a strong showing from elder statesmen.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
  • However, Iran’s people have seen the rial fall from a rate of 32,000 to $1 just a decade ago — which has devoured the value of their savings.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • McDonald’s is spreading a little festive sneer this holiday season with the release of a brand-new menu inspired by Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
  • Burnett tried several versions in a row: first deadpan, then with a sneer of sarcasm, pursing her lips in judgment.
    Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That means that, for 20 years, as the real ambulances would idle on set, the crew and actors would be inhaling the diesel fumes that being emitted from the loud, life-saving vehicles.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026
  • For decades the capital had worked like a slowly exploding atom bomb, inhaling poor Filipinos from the provinces and spitting them into distant suburbs, transforming rural barangays into slums of concrete and zinc.
    Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The bus drivers do nothing to enforce the rules, and we seniors are left trudging down the bus aisle while the people in the seats smirk, look at their phones and talk to each other.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
  • In the video, Castela sings these words with a knowing smirk.
    Carolina Abbott Galvão, The Dial, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Protostars are messy and dynamic, gulping down material in spurts and fits and ejecting powerful outflows of wind and jets that punch into the surrounding clouds.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Alarms go off, phones come out, coffee is gulped down, and before either partner is fully awake, they’re already headed into separate days.
    Mark Travers, CNBC, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • There’s a species of greedy tilapia that has been fostered in the freshwater ponds on the motus that gobble mosquito larvae.
    Antonia Quirke, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
  • But better get those tickets fast; they get gobbled up.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scoff. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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