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
• 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
• disapprove (of)
• frown (on or upon)
• deprecate
• deplore
• disfavor
• discountenance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respect
• honor
• treasure
• admire
• value
• prize
• cherish
• esteem
• revere
• appreciate
• accept
• worship
• favor
• approve (of)
• care (for)
• 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

Garcia plays Joe Diamond, a private eye whose entire existence — down to his speech patterns, omnipresent fedora, 1940s convertible, and visible disdain for Waymo and TikTok — is a painstaking homage to the era of Bogart and Bacall. —Rachel Handler, Vulture, 20 May 2026

Trump, with his disdain for global alliances and liberal values, doesn’t seem interested in contesting Xi on these fronts. —Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026

Verb

Krikorian said a more traditional law enforcement approach should trade street sweeps for a greater focus on worksite enforcement – something Homan has advocated for, but which Trump disdains. —Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026

White supremacy, which is very much alive in the land — turn on the news — disdains every people of color. —Robert Lloyd, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2026