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
  • The title character disdains the common folk, and the play’s complicated political discussion and harsh, jagged poetry aren’t what most picnicking playgoers are after.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Raised in a household of voracious readers in suburban Philadelphia, her father a professor of Spanish at the University of Pennsylvania and her mother having worked for magazines, Sebold disdained the university’s frat culture.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
Definition of disdain
Verb
  • From Jeffrey’s team, Chloe’s remade dress, with an off-the-shoulder top and an awful mesh corset patch tied with a blue ribbon, is universally hated by the judges.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • The loudmouth shorts that Corporate America loves to hate are likely to stay on the sidelines a while longer – nobody likes the guy at the party complaining the music is too loud.
    — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Definition of hate
Verb
  • The leak itself received a mountain of backlash from industry professionals, animators and others for disrespecting the years of work put into crafting the film.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Kenzie completely rejects Corbin’s because Corbin, having disrespected her, is now dead to her.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Definition of disrespect
Verb
  • But Kennedy despises the technology and has spread significant misinformation about mRNA technology.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
  • Many of them despise Trump because of what ICE has done to their communities, which includes rounding up and detaining people who are here in the country legally, many of whom were born here.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of despise
Verb
  • Police quickly connected them to his ex-fiancée and began investigating her, with a media narrative painting her as a woman scorned and willing to do anything to ruin his life.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026
  • The season ended with Beth and Rip’s adopted son Carter (Finn Little) being abducted by the family that Beulah scorned when going into business with the infamous Beth Dutton.
    — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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