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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Perhaps no other American statesman has ever disdained the role of idealism in foreign policy—the meddling of human-rights activists and democracy crusaders—quite like Kissinger.—
Gal Beckerman,
The Atlantic,
1 May 2025
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The Minervois is a sunny land of black truffles, red marble, oak and juniper forests and castles constructed by Cathars (pescatarian Christians who disdained the symbol of the cross, were branded as heretics and subsequently slaughtered wholesale by Papal decree in the 13th century).—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Aside: Her daughters, when young, hated when the former Vogue fashion editor reached for leggings.—
Jackie Fields,
People.com,
12 May 2025
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While Monty loves to run around in the rain, Sam hates getting wet, avoiding the water at all costs.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
Verb
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This means fewer employees feel respected than disrespected!—
Gena Cox,
Forbes.com,
6 May 2025
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Reed went on to report a series of grievances against the Griffin teachers union and said she’s been slandered and disrespected by the community.—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2025
Verb
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Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was despised by first lady Jill Biden and was semi-alienated from Harris.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2025
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The series follows two colleagues from vastly different backgrounds who initially despise each other.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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On the other, America’s right flank feeling scorned because its aid – given to defeat a decades-long adversary at no cost of American life – had not been received with enough gratitude.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN,
28 Feb. 2025
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Republicans putting country above politics or compromising with Democrats are scorned and ostracized by fellow Republicans and voted out of office.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Two weeks ago, after dissing the hyper-loyal New York Rep. Elise Stefanik‘s nomination to be ambassador to the United Nations and watching her step away from her GOP congressional leadership posts, Trump said the U.S. probably does not need an ambassador to the U.N.—
Paul Bedard,
The Washington Examiner,
3 May 2025
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President Trump dissed Taylor Swift while celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles during the team’s visit to the White House, and his comment was neither interesting nor particularly creative.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
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