scorn

noun \ ˈskȯrn \

|Updated on: 19 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: scorn in a Sentence

Definition of scorn

1 : open dislike and disrespect or derision often mixed with indignation

2 : an expression of contempt or derision

3 : an object of extreme disdain, contempt, or derision : something contemptible

See scorn defined for English-language learners

See scorn defined for kids

Examples of scorn in a Sentence

Unlike government censorship, this corruption eats at one of China's more beleaguered professions from within its ranks. The trading of favors for cash is so prevalent that, like the honest cop in a corrupt police unit, an ethical journalist risks the scorn of colleagues. —Gady A. Epstein, Forbes, 21 July 2008
He burns with generous indignation at the scorn with which many literary critics have treated Tolkien, and his subtitle, "author of the Century," is meant to provoke. But provocation is only one of his purposes. —Richard Jenkyns, New Republic, 28 Jan. 2002
Claiming their inalienable rights as teenagers, the two exercise an unmitigated scorn for all adults in the immediate vicinity … —B. Ruby Rich, Nation, 3 & 10 Sept. 2001
They treated his suggestion with scorn.
an expression full of scorn
Her political rivals have poured scorn on her ideas for improving the tax system.

Recent Examples of scorn from the Web

Sonny Gray, the subject of much scorn from New York Yankees fans for his ineffectiveness this season, shut the Orioles down for the third time this season in a 9-0 win Wednesday night at Camden Yards.

— jon meoli, baltimoresun.com, "The Orioles keep making opposing starters — even struggling Sonny Gray — look good," 12 July 2018
And yet, hip-hop long regarded the drug addict as a figure of scorn and comedy.

— josie duffy rice, The Atlantic, "The Gospel According to Pusha T," 12 July 2018
The Syrian president's high spirits were matched by displays of jubilation in Damascus, where government supporters took to the streets on Saturday to demonstrate their backing for Assad and express scorn for the strikes.

— liz sly, chicagotribune.com, "Syria's Assad said to be in 'good' mood, scorns U.S. weaponry after airstrikes," 15 Apr. 2018
Flake drew national attention — and GOP scorn — as a prominent Republican critic of Trump's tone and policies.

— yvonne wingett sanchez, azcentral, "Kelli Ward may have missed her shot in the GOP primary for Senate. Here's why," 11 June 2018
But scorn cannot be poured on an occasion such as this.

— aimee lewis, CNN, "A day in Windsor when everything changed," 19 May 2018
Hankerson has become the focal point of social media scorn surrounding Howard’s admission that nearly a million dollars have disappeared from the school’s coffers.

— michael harriot, The Root, "Student at Center of Howard University Financial Scandal Speaks Out Amid Campus Protests," 30 Mar. 2018
But the president’s attacks were widely seen as a pretext that generated as much sympathy as scorn for Comey.

— eric lichtblau, Time, "Here's Why the Inspector General's Report Was Such a Blow to James Comey," 14 June 2018
Allred herself has come in for a particularly personal brand of scorn that has piled up for decades.

— bryan smith, Los Angeles Magazine, "How Lisa Bloom Bounced Back From Defending Harvey Weinstein," 8 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scorn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of scorn

Middle English, from Anglo-French escharne, escar, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German scern jest

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

scorn Synonyms

scorn

verb \ ˈskȯrn \

Definition of scorn

scorned; scorning; scorns

transitive verb

: to treat with scorn : reject or dismiss as contemptible or unworthy

scorned local traditions

scorned to reply to the charge

intransitive verb

: to show disdain or derision : scoff

—

scorner

noun

See scorn defined for English-language learners

Examples of scorn in a Sentence

My parents scorned packaged and ready-made foods. It did not matter that, at the time, our hometown was a test-market capital for these sorts of food products; my father still thought that convenience food was a Communist plot, and my mother insisted that only trashy people failed to practice a separation of food groups. —Molly O'Neill, Vogue, January 2007
A union member and activist since age 15, bound for an academic career at Cornell and NYU, Fitch, now past 65, writes like a lover scorned. —Rob Long, National Review, 13 Feb. 2006
Stung by attacks on his new Excursion—a 12.5-m.p.g. guzzler dubbed "Ford Valdez" by critics—he has expressed fears that auto companies could be scorned like tobacco companies if they don't clean up their act. Similarly, GM has sought to position itself as the greenest car company, beginning in 1996 when it launched the nation's first modern, mass-produced electric car, the EV-1. —Margot Roosevelt, Time, 14 Aug. 2000
He scorns anyone who earns less money than he does.
Her actions were scorned by many people.
They were scorned as fanatics.

Recent Examples of scorn from the Web

The Warriors are like the Bill Walsh 49ers, who were often scorned as a finesse team, winning on trickery.

— scott ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, "Cavaliers have a puncher’s chance in NBA Finals if they get physical," 5 June 2018
Hell hath no fury like a high school classmate scorned.

— jared gilmour, miamiherald, "Sex toys and creepy mail came for 10 years. It was an ex-classmate with a grudge, N.J. cops say," 12 June 2018
In the cutthroat world of politics, second-place finishers often are scorned as the first losers.

— peter rowe, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Early results: Rancho Santa Fe gubernatorial hopeful John Cox in second place," 6 June 2018
The author of more than 25 books, Roth was an uncompromising realist and satirist, confronting readers in a bold, direct style that scorned false sentiment or hopes for heavenly reward.

— bradford betz, Fox News, "Philip Roth, fearless and celebrated author, dies at 85," 23 May 2018
Author of more than 25 books, Roth was a fierce satirist and uncompromising realist, confronting readers in a bold, direct style that scorned false sentiment or hopes for heavenly reward.

— douglas perry, OregonLive.com, "Woodburn teenager arrested after allegedly making school-shooting threats on Snapchat," 23 May 2018
Hell truly hath no fury like a Dave Matthews scorned.

— ryan gabos, Billboard, "From 'Crash' to 'Crush': 20 Years of Dave Matthews Band's Haunting Masterwork 'Before These Crowded Streets'," 27 Apr. 2018
Take note, Arie: hell hath no fury like a Bachelor fan scorned.

— cady lang, Time, "Bachelor Fans Bought a Bunch of Billboards to Bash Arie Luyendyk Jr. After the Finale," 7 Mar. 2018
Over the past 24 months, Trump has scorned judges, derided the American court system, and trampled on all manner of constitutional principles.

— joan biskupic, CNN, "Trump's sustained attacks on American rights," 26 May 2018

Origin and Etymology of scorn

see ¹scorn

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense

See Words from the same year

scorn Synonyms

Synonyms

contemn, disdain, disrespect, high-hat, look down (on or upon), slight, sniff (at), snub;

Antonyms

honor, respect;

Near Antonyms

cherish, prize, treasure, value;

admire, esteem, lionize;

hallow, revere, venerate, worship;

accept, appreciate, approve (of), care (for), countenance, favor, OK (or okay), subscribe (to);

Related Words

scout;

abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate, loathe;

belittle, deplore, deprecate, disparage;

disapprove (of), discountenance, disfavor, frown (on or upon);

Phrases

look down one's nose (at), sneeze at, thumb one's nose (at), walk over;

Synonym Discussion of scorn

despise, contemn, scorn, disdain mean to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration. despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

- despises cowards

contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

- contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

- scorns the very thought of retirement

disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

- disdained popular music

SCORN Defined for English Language Learners

scorn

noun

Definition of scorn for English Language Learners

: a feeling that someone or something is not worthy of any respect or approval
: harsh criticism that shows a lack of respect or approval for someone or something

scorn

verb

Definition of scorn for English Language Learners

: to show that you think (someone or something) is not worthy of respect or approval : to feel or express scorn for (someone or something)
: to refuse or reject (someone or something that you do not think is worthy of respect or approval)