spoof

1 of 2

verb

ˈspüf 

spoofed; spoofing; spoofs

transitive verb

1

: deceive, hoax

2

: to make good-natured fun of

spoof

2 of 2

noun

1

: hoax, deception

2

: a light humorous parody

spoofery

ˈspü-f(ə-)rē 

noun

spoofy

ˈspü-fē 

adjective

Synonyms

Verb

• burlesque
• caricature
• do
• imitate
• mimic
• mock
• parody
• send up
• travesty

Noun

• burlesque
• caricature
• parody
• put-on
• rib
• send-up
• takeoff
• travesty

Examples of spoof in a Sentence

Verb

spoofed overly competitive parents in a mockumentary about tryouts for a national T-ball team

the newspaper was spoofed by a supposedly plausible claim of a UFO encounter

Noun

many viewers thought that the spoof of a television newscast was the real thing

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

In this week’s episode of the NBC sketch comedy show, host Mulaney spoofs a political ad for a real-life New York Assemblyman with a name that’s hard to believe: Harvey Epstein. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 3 Nov. 2024

Ripa and Consuelos also spoofed the Chimp Crazy Max series. —Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024

Noun

Leverage Relevant, Real-World Examples Anchor your phishing spoofs in recent, relevant, real-world examples of similar attacks and the subsequent outcomes. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Salazar's final film project was Eric Rivas' The Brooklyn Premiere, in which the actor reunited with Scarface costar Steven Bauer for a spoof on the crime drama. —Tommy McArdle, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Spoof, a hoaxing game invented by Arthur Roberts †1933 English comedian

First Known Use

Verb

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spoof

verb

ˈspüf

: to make good-natured fun of

spoof noun