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
  • The Republicans who disdained him and tried to terminate his leadership have made his point by leaving the party and becoming Democrats (or at least voting for Democrats).
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2025
  • For his second presidential term, Donald Trump stacked his health team with men who disdain the medical consensus.
    Ezekiel J. Emanuel, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The zany, sometimes nonsensical lyrics, written by Pete Wentz, were paired with an equally quirky music video, telling the story of a guy with antlers crushing on a girl whose dad hates him for it.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Sure, people use hats, coats and umbrellas to avoid rain, but that’s not to suggest it’s hated.
    Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Without them, distrust and disrespect undermine the actions.
    John S. Tobey, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • America elected a president who mocks the disabled; who is a blatant racist; who disrespects women; who denied there was a COVID pandemic as thousands of people died daily, and who openly told the country his plans of becoming a dictator.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • President Trump famously despises leaks within his administration.
    Cate Martel, The Hill, 26 Mar. 2025
  • He is also known as the controversial and brash leader who despised idleness and, after creating a monarchy in Haiti in 1811, eventually suffered a tragic end.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In recent weeks, protesters have been holding demonstrations at Tesla showrooms, and Tesla owners have been subjected to scorn and even online doxxing.
    Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
  • If Rodgers scorns the Giants and signs elsewhere, that would likely land Schoen and Daboll on Option C: the Steelers’ Russell Wilson.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Before that, Yeezy dissed Virgil in February, calling him out alongside Drake in yet another X/Twitter rant.
    Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Not surprisingly, fans of the original film weren’t thrilled that Zegler dissed a favorite childhood film.
    Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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