contemn

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
  • California’s Democratic establishment disdains Citizen Pratt.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Lewis Wedlock, a social psychologist specializing in masculinities, notes that the term is especially cutting when a man uses it to refer to another man, which can imply disdain for his authenticity and his submission in pandering to women.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, her sister Bree (Lynch) hates the thought of motherhood.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2025
  • In the clip, White jokes about hating Reynolds.
    Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The premiere episode opens with Colter starting a brawl in a small town bar after another patron disrespects the bartender.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2025
  • From disrespecting local customs to getting pickpocketed, to forgetting to reapply sunscreen to overpacking, European tour guides have truly seen it all.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Both brothers despise their father, for good reason.
    Karl Ove Knausgaard, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The fact that the film is named after its subject’s most beloved — and most despised by Hart himself — hit tells you everything.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • It’s scorned Donald, who saw that scoundrel Lee leaving his mistress’s house this morning.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Hell hath no fury like… an ex scorned?
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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