scoff

1 of 3

noun

ˈskäf

ˈskȯf

Synonyms of scoff next

: an expression of scorn, derision, or contempt : gibe

: an object of scorn, mockery, or derision

scoff

2 of 3

verb (1)

scoffed; scoffing; scoffs

intransitive verb

: to show contempt by derisive acts or language

scoffed at the idea

transitive verb

: to treat or address with derision : mock

scoffer noun

scoff

3 of 3

verb (2)

scoffed; scoffing; scoffs

transitive verb

: to eat greedily

scoffed dinner

: seize

—often used with up

scoffed up the free gifts

intransitive verb

: to eat something greedily

Choose the Right Synonym for scoff

scoff, jeer, gibe, fleer, sneer, flout mean to show one's contempt in derision or mockery.

scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

Examples of scoff in a Sentence

Verb (2) scoffed dinner before running off to the basketball game

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Noun

Trump's own brand of cronyism scoffs at the ethical niceties that had constrained his predecessors of all ideological stripes. —

Sami J. Karam, Foreign Affairs, 19 July 2017 His response was met with laughter and scoffs of disbelief from the audience. —

Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2024

Verb

Still, Stovall notes a mathematician might scoff at basing a model on such a limited sample, in this case the 21 presidential elections held in the U.S. since World War II. —

Kate Gibson, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 Rock on Classic rock fans may scoff at this list so far, but the nominating committee will throw them a few bones. —

Troy Smith, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scoff

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English scof, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to obsolete Danish skof jest; akin to Old Frisian skof mockery

Verb (2)

alteration of dialect scaff to eat greedily

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Verb (2)

1846, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of scoff was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Scoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scoff. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

scoff

1 of 3 noun

ˈskäf

ˈskȯf

: an expression of scorn or mockery

scoff

2 of 3 verb

: jeer, ridicule

scoffer noun

scoff

3 of 3 verb

: to eat greedily

scoffed dinner

: snatch entry 1 sense 2

scoffed up the free gifts

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scoff

noun

verb (1)

verb (2)

Synonyms

Examples of scoff in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near scoff

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition