Synonyms of disdain

disdain 1 of 2

noun

dis-ˈdān 

as in contempt

open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect

showing undisguised disdain for the other employees

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contempt
• hatred
• disgust
• distaste
• scorn
• hate
• malice
• hostility
• hatefulness
• despite
• contemptuousness
• resentment
• jealousy
• despisement
• spite
• misprision
• loathing
• revulsion
• abhorrence
• despitefulness
• grudge
• animosity
• meanness
• repugnance
• detestation
• malevolence
• bitterness
• enmity
• antipathy
• condemnation
• repulsion
• antagonism
• ridicule
• malignity
• maliciousness
• malignancy
• abomination
• disparagement
• vindictiveness
• spitefulness
• odium
• depreciation
• derision
• lovelessness
• aversion
• rancor
• execration
• bile
• virulence
• pique
• invidiousness
• vitriol
• venom
• abuse
• jaundice
• detraction
• horror
• gall
• denunciation
• vituperation
• spleen
• censure
• invective
• mockery
• belittlement
• aspersion
• deprecation
• diminishment
• cattiness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respect
• admiration
• regard
• esteem
• favor
• estimation
• acceptance
• tolerance
• reverence
• deference
• adoration
• worship
• love
• adulation
• veneration
• idolatry
• glorification
• affection
• fondness
• liking
• deification
• idolization
• fancy
• lionization

disdain

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈdān 

as in to disrespect

to show contempt for

disdained the deserter as a coward

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disrespect
• hate
• despise
• scorn
• diss
• contemn
• snub
• look down (on or upon)
• sniff (at)
• walk over
• sneeze at
• slight
• high-hat
• snoot
• scout
• detest
• loathe
• abhor
• dis
• thumb one's nose (at)
• disparage
• abominate
• look down one's nose (at)
• belittle
• execrate
• deplore
• disapprove (of)
• frown (on or upon)
• deprecate
• disfavor
• discountenance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respect
• honor
• treasure
• admire
• value
• prize
• cherish
• esteem
• appreciate
• revere
• accept
• worship
• favor
• approve (of)
• care (for)
• okay
• countenance
• subscribe (to)
• lionize
• OK
• venerate
• hallow

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disdain differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disdain are contemn, despise, and scorn. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

When might contemn be a better fit than disdain?

The words contemn and disdain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

In what contexts can despise take the place of disdain?

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

despises cowards

When is scorn a more appropriate choice than disdain?

In some situations, the words scorn and disdain are roughly equivalent. However, scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

scorns the very thought of retirement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of disdain

Noun

Molly thinks to herself during the premiere, not-speaking her disdain for politeness on autopilot into existence. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025

In the eyes of longtime U.S. allies, the abrupt unilateral move was the latest sign of Mr. Trump’s open disdain for their interests – not just on trade and tariffs, but NATO defense and Ukraine too, and indeed the territorial future of the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland. —Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025

Verb

Trump and Vance indeed appear to disdain close alliances, favoring an America First approach to the world. —Donald Heflin, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2025

His grandson, King Hussein, the ruler from 1952 to 1999, was additionally disdained as weak for his war losses, and faced assassination attempts and threats of ouster. —Ephrat Livni, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025