contemn

verb

kən-ˈtem How to pronounce contemn (audio)
Definition of contemnnext
as in to disdain
to show contempt for arrogant critics who contemn the general public's taste in art

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. disdain
  2. hate
  3. disrespect
  4. despise
  5. scorn
Verb
  • As of Sunday, Morin was one month into the suspension handed down by the state Supreme Court that disdained the opinion of professional discipline case referee, Judge Paul Anthony Damico.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Scrutiny of Flock and other surveillance providers was largely bipartisan at the hearing, as did disdain for the company leaders not appearing.
    — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of disdain
Verb
  • Devin irrationally hates her and has been trying to get her out since the beginning.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But many of the changes MLB's made have been hated initially, but within a few years were mostly unnoticed or even celebrated.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of hate
Verb
  • To Cardenas, and other members of her community, the mural disrespected both Vietnamese and Filipino cultures.
    — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Supporters of the action claim that walking over the plaques disrespects victims, but Jewish leaders and German officials condemned the decision as an attack on the country’s culture of remembrance.
    — Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of disrespect
Verb
  • For Republicans, well, there’s not much downside at all, except for those that truly despise green power or, perhaps wisely, fear increasing federal authority over local permitting matters.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • For example, Scalia famously cast the deciding vote in 1989 to hold unconstitutional a law criminalizing burning the American flag despite being a big patriot and despising such activities.
    — Brian Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of despise
Verb
  • The investors among this small and scorned generation, now aged 45-61, are watching markets play out on their screens and constantly see the plot parallels with past cycles.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
  • On a fictional highway in 1958, a Cadillac became badly scorned by a little Nash Rambler.
    — Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of scorn

Browse Nearby Words

contaminations
contemn
contemned
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Cite this Entry

“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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