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

Several students testified that Metcalf, after ordering Anthony to leave his team’s tent, scoffed before Anthony reached a hand into a bag and pulled out a knife. — Jamie Stengle, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026 During Truist’s quarterly earnings call in April, Rogers scoffed at a Bloomberg report that the bank could potentially be a target for an acquisition by Citi. — Charlotte Observer, 15 June 2026

Noun

Irwin at first scoffs at the idea that the decaying industrial area could ever be gentrified. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for scoff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scoff

Verb

Everyone will devour these miniature buttery rolls stuffed with homemade shrimp salad.

— Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Near the Colorado-Utah border, several fires merged to devour more than 30,000 acres and counting in the Snyder Fire.

— Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Definition of devour

Noun

With his rakish sneer and ruthlessly tight jodhpurs, Rupert has been thoroughly neutered with irony, transformed into an object for women to pick at.

— Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Of course, the prospect of one of the greatest women’s footballers in history skittering around Bromley on a Saturday lunchtime in front of a smattering of fans inevitably inspires sneers.

— Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 May 2026

Definition of sneer

Verb

When inhaled, these microscopic particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing swelling and inflammation.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
When wildfire smoke is inhaled, volatile gases and tiny particles can pass through the lining of the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

— Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 24 June 2026

Definition of inhale

Verb

This family- and crowd-friendly meal gets gobbled up at all kinds of occasions.

— Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
In an eyewear industry where huge players are gobbling up market share, Leight has managed to thrive with an eclectic assortment and an ability to pivot as demand shifts.

— Sharon Edelson, Forbes.com, 25 June 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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