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

Russell Westbrook scoffed at the notion that the 2025-26 season could be his last in the NBA after signing with the Sacramento Kings in October. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Some hailed McDonnell as an Anna Delvey-type scammer, justifying her brazen ripoff of faceless lenders by scoffing at the idea that society should feel sympathy for giant corporate entities. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 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

The larvae come from the Cochliomyia hominivorax fly, which invades open wounds or the mucous membranes of body openings in any warm-blooded animal, including humans, and devours tissue, causing the wounds to become increasingly deep and painful.

— Abraham Tellez, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
The Milky Way has something of a torrid and violent history, given that our galaxy has fueled its own growth by cannibalistically devouring smaller galaxies.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of devour

Verb

Vapes use a small, lithium battery to heat liquids such as nicotine for users to inhale.

— Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
If disturbed, asbestos’ microscopic crystalline fibers get into the air, where they can be inhaled, cause lung scarring and lead to fatal cancers.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 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

In Wolf’s Belly, Little Red Riding Hood and Grandmother find themselves in a magical void with other fairytale characters that the wolf has gobbled up, including the Boy who Cried Wolf and a fourth Little Pig.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Osceola experts say these toms start gobbling in January and peak in March.

— Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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