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

One Night Only spends nearly its entire run time scoffing at the idea that Americans would ever be principled enough to take a stand against the incremental encroachment of fascist policies. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026 The idea that schools might directly pay college athletes, whose jerseys sometimes generated millions of dollars in sales, through a revenue-sharing model would have been scoffed at in 2003. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 July 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

Only weeks ago, the most destructive wildfire in Spanish history devoured 500 square kilometers (193 square miles) and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people in central Spain.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Only weeks ago, the most destructive wildfire in Spanish history devoured 500 square kilometers (193 square miles) and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people in Ávila, in central Spain.

— Suman Naishadham, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of devour

Verb

People are thought to get infected by inhaling the amoeba from windblown dust or by getting contaminated soil or water in a wound.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026
Also called square breathing, this four-step method asks children to inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts and hold again for four counts.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of inhale

Noun

Orlando Bloom flashes a shirtless smirk while on vacation in Marmi, Italy on July 26.

— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 29 July 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

Chelsea have now gobbled up 17 non-‘Big Six’ players in the past decade, something which speaks to both their rampant transfer activity and a seeming preference for young players already proven in England’s top division.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
But there’s something else the sector is gobbling up — space in warehouses across the state.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of scoff

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