scorn 1 of 2

scorn

2 of 2

verb

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

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 scorn
Noun
But other legal scholars said that Mr. Trump’s scorn for the law was made palpable by the third-term talk. Peter Baker, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025 Conflict remains over terms never formally settled in Houston three decades ago, when a city consumed by scorn banished the owner of a team whose departure was once unthinkable. Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
In character as a free spirit who scorns social convention, Davis is all haughty tosses of the head and sneering lines. Ew Staff, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025 The temporary ruling in favor of 19 Democratic state attorneys general was met with scorn over the weekend from the White House and Musk, who called for the judge to be impeached. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scorn
Noun
  • Blue Ivy has also escaped the contempt that most other children of celebrities face online—and social media is completely enamored.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • Another option would be that Trump could pardon anyone charged with contempt.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The Minervois is a sunny land of black truffles, red marble, oak and juniper forests and castles constructed by Cathars (pescatarian Christians who disdained the symbol of the cross, were branded as heretics and subsequently slaughtered wholesale by Papal decree in the 13th century).
    Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The Republicans who disdained him and tried to terminate his leadership have made his point by leaving the party and becoming Democrats (or at least voting for Democrats).
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was despised by first lady Jill Biden and was semi-alienated from Harris.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025
  • The series follows two colleagues from vastly different backgrounds who initially despise each other.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Heiss said that nothing would be so devastating as to have earned Prima’s hatred.
    Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
  • While Brandon Hagel has been suspended and a number of jarring hits have taken place, there is another level of intensity and hatred around the corner.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Ignored and disrespected, Bernadette decides to steal her husband’s limelight, helped by a makeover by Karl Lagerfeld.
    Ito Bindery, Air Mail, 19 Apr. 2025
  • She’s repeatedly disrespected your boundaries, but creating publicly might create family drama.
    Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There are no do-overs once a party willfully disregards a court order.
    Mike Scarcella, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • The Carter Center noted that opposition candidate Edmundo González likely secured a decisive victory based on independent vote counts, which were disregarded by Venezuela’s electoral authorities.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And while Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hates DEI, his deputy billionaire Steven Feinberg has poured millions into the cause, Forbes’ Dan Alexander reports.
    Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Neighborhood groups hate San Diego’s bonus ADU program.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scorn. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scorn

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!