disdain 1 of 2

disdain

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verb

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

Examples 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 disdain
Noun
Historical records, including those of Julius Caesar, have long noted the distinctive roles women played in Celtic society, praising their independence and fighting abilities, but also reflecting Roman disdain for these cultural norms. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 Toward the end of his term, Trump’s disdain for active-duty military officers emerged into the open. Ronald R. Krebs, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
Michelle, who largely disdains politics, would provide an unusual degree of public support. Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2024 Because technology companies grew large and successful in an era when government deliberately minimized its own role, today’s tech leaders generally see public policy as an impediment to innovation and disdain the grubby business of policymaking and partisanship. Margaret O’Mara, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2022 See all Example Sentences for disdain 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain
Noun
  • Dan Scavino will return to his role as deputy chief of staff, after serving as a longtime Trump communications staffer (he was held in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify in the House Jan. 6 committee investigation, but the Justice Department declined to prosecute him).
    Sara Dorn, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Rudy Giuliani is set to appear in a Washington, D.C., federal courtroom Friday as a federal judge considers a request from two Georgia election workers to hold the former New York City mayor in contempt for allegedly continuing to defame them in violation of a court order.
    Robert Legare, CBS News, 10 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
Noun
  • To understand why Germans at different levels of society backed Hitler, scholars often cite people’s deep commitment to Nazi ideology; the hatred of Jews, homosexuals, Romani, or Communists; or sheer psychopathic sadism.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Platforms originally designed to connect people and foster communities are being weaponized to spread hatred and violence.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • James' next opportunity to play will be on Thursday when the Lakers host their biggest and most hated rival, the Boston Celtics, at home.
    Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • 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
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
  • 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
  • Whoever is chosen to replace Trudeau as leader of the Liberals faces a vicious uphill battle to win back voters feeling scorned by the outgoing government.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near disdain

Cite this Entry

“Disdain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disdain. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disdain

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