SCORN Synonyms: 151 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'scorn' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scorn are contemn , despise , and disdain . While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt. // scorns the very thought of retirement

Q: When might 'contemn' be a better fit than 'scorn'?

The words contemn and scorn can be used in similar contexts, but contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious. // contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

Q: Where would 'despise' be a reasonable alternative to 'scorn'?

The synonyms despise and scorn are sometimes interchangeable, but despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing. // despises cowards

Q: When is 'disdain' a more appropriate choice than 'scorn'?

In some situations, the words disdain and scorn are roughly equivalent. However, disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy. // disdained popular music

scorn 1 of 2

noun

ˈskȯrn

Definition of scorn next

as in contempt

open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect has nothing but scorn for newfangled ideas of any kind

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scorn

2 of 2

verb

ˈskȯrn

as in to disdain

to show contempt for scorned the religious traditions of their ancestors

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as in to despise

to ignore in a disrespectful manner she scorned the advice of her ophthalmologist and had the laser eye surgery anyway

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb scorn differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scorn are contemn, despise, and disdain. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

scorns the very thought of retirement

When might contemn be a better fit than scorn?

The words contemn and scorn can be used in similar contexts, but contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

Where would despise be a reasonable alternative to scorn?

The synonyms despise and scorn are sometimes interchangeable, but despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

despises cowards

When is disdain a more appropriate choice than scorn?

In some situations, the words disdain and scorn are roughly equivalent. However, disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of scorn

Noun

His brash personality has earned him the respect and scorn of his co-workers in equal measures. —

Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 Hints that China is manipulating the yuan lower could trigger bipartisan scorn in Washington. —

William Pesek, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Verb

But they are framed as Nosy Nicks, and we’re supposed to scorn their advice. —

Alice Burton, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024 Depending on the day, and their political views, Jews looked on them with pride or scorn, hope or disappointment. —

Luke Tress, Sun Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scorn

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scorn

Noun

The state filed a similar motion to hold Etienne in contempt again in 2023, court records show.

Chris Quintana, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
The district attorney on the case was convicted of criminal contempt and disbarred.

Karina Tsui, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024