contemn

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contemn differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contemn are despise, disdain, and scorn. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

When is despise a more appropriate choice than contemn?

While the synonyms despise and contemn are close in meaning, despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

despises cowards

When can disdain be used instead of contemn?

The words disdain and contemn can be used in similar contexts, but disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

When might scorn be a better fit than contemn?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemn, scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

scorns the very thought of retirement

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of contemn Consequently, the Sadrists were contemned and discounted by Iraq’s liberal elite who form the core of the ICP. Benedict Robin, Washington Post, 7 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemn
Verb
  • Unlike drunkenness and hygiene issues — such as clipping fingernails and taking off shoes — which are widely disdained by fellow passengers, opinions on seat reclining mainly fall into two camps: those who say don’t do it, and others who argue the recline button exists for a reason.
    Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024
  • As a student at The John Carroll School, Paula Etting disdained public office.
    Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2024
Verb
  • That’s why Big Business hates her April 24, 2023 Creamer said there have been no indications that immigrants in Kern County were responsible for a wave of violent crime, the ostensible justification for the raids.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
  • How the drug middlemen became a $557 billion industry that its customers love to hate Erika Fry MagazineElon Musk Is DOGE even doable?
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump said Tuesday evening that Putin disrespected Biden and wouldn't be permitted to treat him that way.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025
  • In both instances, a lack of transparency left guests feeling disrespected.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • On a sunny but frigid day, a 21-gun salute rang out to honor a no-frills man who famously despised rituals and felt most comfortable living a normal life.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025
  • And today’s high 10-year yield means bonds are despised right now.
    Brett Owens, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump has long scorned the very notion of domestic extremism, dismissing it as overblown or invented.
    Will Carless, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
  • After the Iron Curtain fell, tennis exploded in the former communist countries, where tennis had long been scorned as a pursuit of the bourgeoisie.
    Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump promised to restore coal to its place atop America’s energy throne while dissing renewable energy and dropping out of the Paris Climate Agreement.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • When Snoop Dogg posted a video of one of the Drake disses that used A.I. to re-create Snoop’s own voice and Tupac’s, Kendrick was, understandably, annoyed.
    Hanif Abdurraqib, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near contemn

Cite this Entry

“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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