humphs
Skeptic's vocal dismissals
Humphs is the plural of humph or its third-person verb form—the grunted sound expressing displeasure, skepticism, or dismissal.
Someone who humphs at a suggestion isn't convinced: She humphs every time I mention his name.
The word captures that particular nonverbal grunt of disapproval or doubt.
Loud nasal exhales
- gruntsShort, guttural sounds
- sighsAudible exhales of emotion
- scoffsExpresses mocking disbelief
- grumblesLow, discontented muttering
mutters · harrumphs · huffs · pouts · frowns · disapproval · annoyance · irritation
Short, guttural sounds
- muttersSpeaks indistinctly, softly
- mumblesSpeaks indistinctly
- nodsDownward head gestures
- shrugsLifts shoulders briefly
responds · acknowledges · replies · assents · concedes · relents · agrees · accepts
Feelings of uncertainty
- questionsRequests for information
- disbelievesRefuses to credit
- scoffsExpresses mocking disbelief
- sniffsBrief nasal inhalations
dismisses · challenges · rebuffs · rejects · mistrusts · suspicion · incredulity · cynicism
snorts
Loud nasal exhales
grumbles · mutters · harrumphs · huffs · pouts · frowns · disapproval · annoyance · irritation · disdain
grunts
Short, guttural sounds
shrugs · responds · acknowledges · replies · assents · concedes · relents · agrees · accepts · yields
doubts
Feelings of uncertainty
- questionsRequests for information
- disbelievesRefuses to credit
- scoffsExpresses mocking disbelief
sniffs · dismisses · challenges · rebuffs · rejects · mistrusts · suspicion · incredulity · cynicism · dubiousness