disdain 1 of 2

Definition of disdainnext

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
Where Porsha would prefer to ignore Shamea’s existence, Shamea keeps breadcrumbing her disdain for her ex bestie, this time telling Cynthia about the heated text exchange after the reunion. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 15 June 2026 Trump has made clear his disdain for NATO, his affection for Putin, gushes over autocrats, and withholds military support for Ukraine. Arthur House, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2026
Verb
At his behest Aurangzeb—who disdained poetry—sent agents across India and Persia to assemble a literary circle befitting her. Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026 Because that man is going out of his way to remind everyone why, exactly, he is universally disdained. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disdain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain
Noun
  • Things like trying to disqualify the entire Utah County Attorney's Office, trying to get some of the evidence suppressed, trying to get a contempt order because the prosecutors violated the court's gag order.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • Graf held a hearing earlier this month over whether prosecutors should be held in contempt for their comments about the bullet.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • So, is The Pitt just overtly disrespecting certain cast members by leaving them off the ballot?
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 June 2026
  • Many feel disrespected by the social safety net.
    Aisha Nyandoro, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Disciples of this extremist hatred are running for office and winning in select primaries.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026
  • But to the man himself, comedy is—like life—first and foremost about hatred of death.
    Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Lulu, an 80-pound Bernedoodle, hates Independence Day.
    Dana Hedgpeth, Washington Post, 27 June 2026
  • Maybe that’s why so many on the Left seem to hate him so much.
    Michael Zais, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • The likely architect of that plot was Lyonel’s own scheming son, Larys, whom Simon openly despised.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
  • During Season 10, a newly confident Batula — who seemed to despise Cooke from the first minute of the premiere episode — appeared to be poised to launch a triumphant post-divorce arc, free at last from Cooke’s belittlement and verbal abuse.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • That lineage become a source of attention and scorn for the 33-year-old first time candidate, who created what critics called out as a sometimes outlandish social media personality to generate attention.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Gerardo Ortiz What’s a música mexicana festival without a bit of yearning and scorned romance?
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disdain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disdain. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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