as in disdain
open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect
my undying contempt for people who abuse animals
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Recent Examples of contempt
Biden’s Attorney General Merrick Garland was held in contempt by the U.S. House of Representatives for refusing to release them.
—
Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 21 May 2025
Similarly, using passive contempt in one’s humor is a form of hidden hostility.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Because of this contempt for people who have that insatiable need to control others, I have been dedicated to the concept of minding my own business.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
In November, Swain found Adams’ administration in contempt of multiple provisions of the consent decree designed to improve conditions for inmates and staff at Rikers.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contempt
Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 21 May 2025
Similarly, using passive contempt in one’s humor is a form of hidden hostility.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Because of this contempt for people who have that insatiable need to control others, I have been dedicated to the concept of minding my own business.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
In November, Swain found Adams’ administration in contempt of multiple provisions of the consent decree designed to improve conditions for inmates and staff at Rikers.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for contempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contempt
Noun
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Economists and pundits reacted to Trump’s warning with a mix of horror and haughty disdain.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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Trump has made no secret of his disdain for the bloc.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
29 May 2025
Noun
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No more tolerance of hatred, no more mercy for criminals.—
Sarah Beth Hensley,
ABC News,
28 May 2025
-
Antisemitism, hatred and terrorism must be stopped, lest our civilization fall into the abyss.—
Diane Gensler,
Baltimore Sun,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contempt. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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