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
If the disdain is strictly about not liking the music, that’s fine. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2025 When Mangione was arrested, officials recovered a notebook with entries expressing disdain for large corporations and the health care industry. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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 But the Gaza proposal should be seen in the context of a president who believes fervently in his own power of persuasion, who disdains traditional diplomacy, and whose Mideast envoy is a businessman with no experience in that field. Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disdain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain
Noun
  • Anyone who doesn’t respect the order could be found in contempt of court.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Five years later, the architects of the Covid Era’s lockdown insanity deserve only our contempt.
    Jeffrey Blehar, National Review, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Read on for tips to get fresh ideas off the ground without disturbing or disrespecting existing foundations.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Newcastle’s staff felt they were almost disrespected at times, while Liverpool grew frustrated by the tactics deployed by Eddie Howe’s side during matches (and assistant head coach Jason Tindall’s antics on the touchline).
    Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Even if those two men didn’t make it out of Europe alive, the unspeakable acts carried out in the name of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich would still live on in infamy, reminding humanity what blind hatred and xenophobia could lead to if a society wasn’t careful.
    Josh Weiss, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Venerable baby boomer Kevin Bacon plays the titular bounty hunter Hub Halloran, a proud Georgia man with little tolerance for tomfoolery and a hatred of the Red Sox.
    Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Episode One introduces Jamie as a slight kid who hates needles and just wants to go home.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Alleviating financial anxiety Love or hate what’s happening, there has been financial fallout from all the uncertainty and chaos generated.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Some complained that the editorials have become like CNN, MSNBC, and other news sources that Republicans despise.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The stifling centripetal forces of globalism despise the defiant particularism of the Jewish nation and the modern Jewish state.
    Newsweek, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Although originally scorned by critics, the series proved immensely popular, lasting nine seasons and spinning off several TV movies.
    Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025
  • That discontent was laid bare in December after the brazen killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson unleashed social media scorn at his company and a U.S. health insurance industry that serves as gatekeeper to the nation's $4.5 trillion health care system.
    David Robinson, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disdain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disdain. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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