Synonyms of contempt

contempt

noun

kən-ˈtem(p)t 

as in disdain

open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect

my undying contempt for people who abuse animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disdain
• hatred
• disgust
• distaste
• scorn
• malice
• hate
• hostility
• hatefulness
• despite
• contemptuousness
• resentment
• jealousy
• misprision
• despisement
• spite
• loathing
• grudge
• revulsion
• abhorrence
• meanness
• despitefulness
• detestation
• malevolence
• animosity
• bitterness
• repugnance
• enmity
• condemnation
• malignity
• repulsion
• ridicule
• malignancy
• antagonism
• vindictiveness
• abomination
• odium
• antipathy
• maliciousness
• disparagement
• execration
• spitefulness
• depreciation
• rancor
• lovelessness
• derision
• bile
• pique
• virulence
• abuse
• censure
• invidiousness
• aversion
• jaundice
• venom
• gall
• vitriol
• denunciation
• vituperation
• invective
• horror
• detraction
• spleen
• mockery
• aspersion
• belittlement
• deprecation
• diminishment
• cattiness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respect
• admiration
• esteem
• regard
• favor
• estimation
• acceptance
• tolerance
• reverence
• deference
• worship
• adoration
• veneration
• idolatry
• love
• adulation
• affection
• glorification
• fondness
• liking
• deification
• fancy
• idolization
• lionization

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contempt

Taylor was later found in willful contempt for violating their divorce terms and ordered to pay $70,000 to cover Shumpert’s legal fees. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Slota’s stated contempt for law enforcement and support for armed resistance was on display before his arrest. — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026

Congress could claw back some of its authority if committee chairs were prepared to subpoena those who refuse to testify, direct witnesses to answer pertinent questions, and pursue contempt proceedings against uncooperative witnesses. — David Wippman, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026

Craven’s article is similarly one-way traffic on behalf of Rowling but done with a level of contempt toward trans people that almost swaggers in its certainty. — Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026