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
  • Isn’t the point that Texans, Floridians and Tennesseans disdain big government, and by extension, would like to control it more?
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • The reckoning that followed the murder of George Floyd has given way to a backlash and a president who disdains efforts at equality, complains of anti-white prejudice and purges powerful Black men and women in the name of a mythical colorblind society.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Fans wouldn't hate adding an extra game to the football season.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • It was purposefully exploited because people will hate anything that’s different.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • As the moon clashes with Saturn, the sense that you’ve been disrespected eats at you.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 9 July 2025
  • Ramsey reportedly was routinely late for team practices and openly disrespected McDaniel, Grier and former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in front of teammates.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Centrists despised the deep cuts to programs for the poor and elderly.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 1 July 2025
  • Many of them love their country but despise what the regime has turned it into.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • True to its name, the community for many years served as a target of laughter and scorn.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Kidman, who was 54 at the time, was both praised and scorned for the glaring youthfulness of her skin-baring look.
    Laura Neilson, Vogue, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • One cast member dissing another’s new business venture.
    John Kell, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Lamar performed several Drizzy disses with the crowd rapping along to nearly every word.
    Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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