as in to disdain
to show contempt for
arrogant critics who contemn the general public's taste in art
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Recent Examples of contemn
Consequently, the Sadrists were contemned and discounted by Iraq’s liberal elite who form the core of the ICP.
—
Benedict Robin, Washington Post, 7 June 2018
Benedict Robin, Washington Post, 7 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemn
Verb
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At his behest Aurangzeb—who disdained poetry—sent agents across India and Persia to assemble a literary circle befitting her.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
-
In Sondheim’s body of work, Okrent searches for the autobiographical resonances that Sondheim himself mostly disdained.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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So why not lean into the Dodgers hate by turning this year’s All-Star Game into a Dodgers-against-the-world affair?—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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The Republicans want people to hate paying taxes.—
Binyamin Appelbaum,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Crime rates go up when cops are disrespected the way Boston Police Officer Nicholas O’Malley was when Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden charged him with manslaughter for shooting a carjacking suspect.—
Wendy Murphy,
Boston Herald,
13 Apr. 2026
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Hybrid meetings often lead to awkward moments and deeper challenges regarding participation and inclusion, as remote workers may feel disrespected yet safer at home; executive coach Kim Scott offers strategies to foster inviting collaboration and equal participation for all team members.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This election is a profound game-changer, not only for the people, but also the arts, liberating all those who were despised, sidelined or silenced by the corrupt regime.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
13 Apr. 2026
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His downfall should burst the bubble of those on the right who think the path to permanent power is to mimic reactionary politics that despise checks and balances, individual rights, and economic freedom.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The hypocrisy is especially rank as RFK pushes the Food and Drug Administration to loosen restrictions on peptides, an experimental fad among wellness influencers who scorn traditional medicine.—
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
24 Mar. 2026
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Brenda's right to call it out, and Mac’s 'Brenda scorned' joke was the perfect touch of humor to a stressful situation.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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