scores
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for scores, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large but unspecified number of people or things.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use scores
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “scores” mean?
The word “scores” means a large but unspecified number of people or things. In plain terms, used as a quantity word meaning "many, many" — more casual than "dozens" and vaguer than an exact count.
How do you pronounce “scores”?
“Scores” is pronounced skawz (/skɔɹz/ in IPA).
How do you use “scores” in a sentence?
Here is “scores” used in a sentence: “Scores of fans lined up outside the stadium overnight.”
What part of speech is “scores”?
“Scores” is a noun.
Is “scores” a common word?
“Scores” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many is 'scores of'?
There's no exact figure. A score means twenty, so scores literally implies several twenties — dozens upon dozens. In practice, though, 'scores of' is used loosely to mean a large, impressive but uncounted number, much like saying 'dozens' or 'lots'. The emphasis is on quantity, not precision.
What does 'scores of people' mean?
It means a large, unspecified crowd — many people, more than a handful but not precisely counted. If a report says scores of people attended, expect a sizeable turnout, likely dozens or more. It signals abundance without committing to an exact headcount.
What is the difference between scores and dozens?
Both describe a large but vague number. Strictly, a dozen is twelve and a score is twenty, so scores suggests a somewhat bigger tally than dozens. In everyday speech, however, the two are used almost interchangeably to mean simply 'a lot'.