contemn

Definition of contemnnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contemn differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contemn are despise, disdain, and scorn. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

When is despise a more appropriate choice than contemn?

While the synonyms despise and contemn are close in meaning, despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

despises cowards

When can disdain be used instead of contemn?

The words disdain and contemn can be used in similar contexts, but disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

When might scorn be a better fit than contemn?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemn, 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemn
Verb
  • In the age of Neapolitan worship, some Melburnians disdain its existence for the cheap ingredients that defined early Australian versions.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • These days, sports gambling is legal in 39 states, accessible on your phone app in 30 and, in dozens of places, actually paying millions in sponsorship deals to the very college programs that disdain this kind of activity by their players.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 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
  • Kenzie completely rejects Corbin’s because Corbin, having disrespected her, is now dead to her.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 30 June 2026
  • His obsession with disrespecting the talents of all Americans is now costing us dearly.
    Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 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

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Cite this Entry

“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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