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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

While some might scoff at the idea of shrinking the display area of a giant ultrawide monitor, esports gamers will often trade resolution for faster performance, so this mode guarantees them the best of both worlds. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026 Reddington appeared to scoff each time Mack said it and had to push him to answer the questions, finally not taking that response as acceptable. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 24 Aug. 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

Joscha Bach of the California Institute for Machine Consciousness, another AGI pioneer, says a truly intelligent system should not need to devour the entire Internet and consume vast amounts of computing power for even the simplest query.

— George Musser, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026
Soon Drews noticed the speed with which her cheesecakes were devoured.

— David Farley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of devour

Verb

Messick emerged from the dugout tunnel Monday afternoon in a hoodie with cutoff sleeves, inhaled and reveled in the crisp air that tends to accompany a playoff race.

— Zack Meisel, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
And viral trends like the cinnamon challenge can cause potential injury by accidentally inhaling the powder.

— Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of inhale

Noun

Orion gave a smirk and thumbs up to the camera while Keats made a funny face and stuck his tongue out.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of smirk

Verb

The customer gulps it down in a single stretch and drops it into a bin – visible proof of his relief, at least for this moment, from the sweltering heat.

— Light Oriye Tamunotonye, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Sep. 2026
Rather than trying to gulp the slimy thing down, Wilkinson went into the kitchen and prepared an extravagant breakfast for himself, complete with Dr Pepper to wash it down.

— Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 12 June 2026

Definition of gulp

Verb

The Bottom Line AI is certainly an ever-present and enticing technology bandage, but the real competitive advantage does not lie in gobbling up every possible use case.

— Robbie Morrison, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
The other option, pushing the Super Bowl back a week, was initially rejected because New Orleans, the host city, had booked an automobile dealers’ convention that had gobbled up most of the desirable hotel rooms.

— Michael Silver, New York Times, 11 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 2026.

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