disdain 1 of 2

disdain

2 of 2

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

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 disdain
Noun
Backlash in China On Chinese social media, where TikTok’s fate has appeared as one among many efforts from the US to stymie Beijing’s technical prowess, Trump’s suggestions were met with disdain. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025 His two years in the service fueled his disdain for authority and bureaucracy and triggered his lifelong calling toward dissent. Chris Koseluk, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
Good free-market neoliberals had historically disdained this idea, believing government attempts to meddle in the economy would have bad results. Andrew Prokop, Vox, 15 Oct. 2024 The Bitcoin white paper, which was released in October, 2008, and the Bitcoin code, which followed shortly thereafter, have at times been disdained as clever bits of engineering pastiche. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for disdain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain
Noun
  • In 1957, he was indicted by a federal grand jury on 10 counts of contempt and, after years of legal wrangling, in 1961, convicted and sentenced to a year in prison.
    Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The lowest score is reserved for expressions of contempt and calls for violence against one’s opponents; the highest is awarded to those treating others with dignity.
    Kellen Browning, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Most of your editorials, John Brummett, Rex Nelson, and John Deering, are blatant Trump haters, and their smug, condescending echo-chamber mindsets are constantly denigrating, mocking, and disrespecting at least 64 percent of your potential readers.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025
  • But through some sort of patriarchy calculus, all Smith seemed to see was a woman disrespecting her husband, somehow.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Flanked by cardboard cutouts of the 37th U.S. President bowling, the brothers discuss much more than their hatred of the man, including dropping out of law school, pro sports, and credit cards.
    Will DiGravio, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Our region has enough violence, hatred and incitement without more being added from the outside.
    Beren Cross, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The memories Adria had drawn upon to make this part work—not just memories of a gesture or a look but of the moments when Lisa, when Lindy, just hated her.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
  • While Hill may have been hating on McClung and the contest as a whole, many people enjoyed it.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Among the many things Kingsley Amis despised was the notion that a writer might regard himself as an artist.
    Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Hart despises him and his blundering height, despises the hokey sentimentality of Oklahoma!
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Most of the speakers at Tuesday’s meeting scorned a study by Raleigh’s Administrative Office of the Courts on workloads and staffing needs.
    Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Is his tendency to scorn sentimentality on sight a put-on or a character flaw?
    Rhoda Feng, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on disdain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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