Synonyms of scoff

scoff 1 of 2

verb

as in to devour

to swallow or eat greedily

scoffed dinner before running off to the basketball game

Synonyms & Similar Words

• devour
• inhale
• gulp
• gobble
• cram
• wolf
• raven
• scarf
• slop
• gorge
• glut
• gormandize
• overeat
• ingurgitate
• swill
• bolt
• pig out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pick
• nibble
• peck

scoff

2 of 2

noun

as in sneer

Related Words

• sneer
• smirk
• stare
• glower
• glare
• simper
• look
• rictus
• growl
• snarl
• wince
• frown
• grimace
• scowl
• flinch
• pout
• mouth
• moue
• mow
• lower
• squinch
• face
• mug
• snoot

Dissimilar Words

• smile
• laugh
• grin

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

Recent Examples of scoff

Verb

Lee scoffed at the notion such a large-scale project deserved a federal exemption. — Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Traditionalists scoffed at the ‘plastic’ boats, but the Swan 36 featured a revolutionary underwater design. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 15 Sep. 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