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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These differences contributed to the distrust and disdain the Ottomans held toward the Alawite community, highlighting broader sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shi’a groups within the Ottoman Empire.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Mar. 2026
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Krikorian said a more traditional law enforcement approach should trade street sweeps for a greater focus on worksite enforcement – something Homan has advocated for, but which Trump disdains.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The part puts Wahlberg opposite his old rival, Matt Damon, and the press revels in the opportunity for on-set gossip, real (the two actors genuinely hate each other) or imagined.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
13 Mar. 2026
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Why do people hate Jews so much?—
Nicole Frehsee Mazur,
Rolling Stone,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Feeling disrespected, Parker launched itself on the Revenge Tour.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Mar. 2026
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And with luck, the public will now refuse to vote for District Attorneys who disrespect victims and refuse to file rape and child abuse cases.—
Wendy Murphy,
Boston Herald,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Mujahedeen-e-Khalq is listed as a terrorist organization by Iran and is widely despised inside the country.—
Farah N. Jan,
The Conversation,
10 Mar. 2026
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This poses a challenge for people like me who get cold easily, but also despise the feeling of overheating due to over-layering.—
Harry Spampinato,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The show has drawn praise for its meticulous re-creation of ‘90s New York — and also scorn from members of the Kennedy family and mixed reactions from others who knew the couple.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Mar. 2026
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Never underestimate the power of a CEO scorned.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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