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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Inspired by true events, LifeHack follows Kyle and his crew of digital Robin Hoods who hack scammers and steal from people the internet loves to hate, working from the comfort of their bedrooms.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
-
What smells do earwigs hate the most?—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Clark is no stranger to disrespect in rankings, awards, play and coverage over the years.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
9 May 2026
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Don’t think for a moment Dubas won’t feel the heat in Pittsburgh if Penguins fans believe Malkin, Letang or Crosby is disrespected in any manner at the conclusion of their careers.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Nearly half of Americans despise them, seeing the wealthy as the beneficiaries of a corrupt system who got rich at their expense.—
Allison Schrager,
Twin Cities,
13 May 2026
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The goddess Hera — who despised Heracles — later set the crab in the heavens in the form of the constellation Cancer as a reward for its bravery.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Aronimink has drawn both praise and scorn this week.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
14 May 2026
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While some painters might feel scorned for being passed over for so long, Lovelace O’Neal said that her late-career recognition was in some ways a blessing.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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