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
• diss
• 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
• appreciate
• revere
• accept
• worship
• favor
• approve (of)
• care (for)
• okay
• 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

Beauty’s campaign led by a comedian infamous for domestic violence jokes and disdain of a primarily female audience. —Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025

Scorsese and his light disdain for streamers’ homepage tiles was greeted with applause, and both Scorsese and Panahi, who ended their chat with a long hug on stage, were met with a standing ovation. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2025

Verb

He was torn between disdaining them and entertaining the possibility of getting into that business, which was clearly going to grow with the transition. —Literary Hub, 16 July 2025

Yes, Trump disdains core elements of U.S. globalism, from the international trade system America established to its promotion of democratic values and its defense commitments around the world. —Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025