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
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Recent Examples of contempt
When the murder charges came to light in a DHS press release later that day, Dubose scheduled a show cause hearing for Monday for attorneys to explain why she was left in the dark, threatening to hold prosecutors in contempt of court.
—
Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 4 May 2026
If the companies fail to comply with the deadlines, Ivanoff said, they can be held in contempt.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 1 May 2026
But the decision has not come without widespread opposition from community members, with dozens of speakers signing up to voice their contempt with the district’s move to eliminate these positions at its April 20 Board meeting.
—Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Gill then found him in contempt of court for stopping the grandparents’ visits with his daughter in January 2025 only months after a previous judge ruled that Scott's in-laws be allowed temporary supervised visitation one hour every other week.
—Juliet Pennington, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contempt
Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 4 May 2026
If the companies fail to comply with the deadlines, Ivanoff said, they can be held in contempt.
—Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 1 May 2026
But the decision has not come without widespread opposition from community members, with dozens of speakers signing up to voice their contempt with the district’s move to eliminate these positions at its April 20 Board meeting.
—Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
Gill then found him in contempt of court for stopping the grandparents’ visits with his daughter in January 2025 only months after a previous judge ruled that Scott's in-laws be allowed temporary supervised visitation one hour every other week.
—Juliet Pennington, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contempt
Noun
-
The Heat’s disdain for the lottery is such that lucky charms would almost be acknowledgement of needing help in the process of rebuilding.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
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On Friday, May 1, the 33-year-old 13 Reasons Why actress shared an Instagram carousel filled with photos and video of an unidentified man sitting beside her, texting people on his phone to express his disdain for sitting near a trans person in first class.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
Noun
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In Australia, a wide-ranging inquiry commission examining antisemitism after a massacre at a Hanukkah celebration heard this week from Jews who said escalating hatred has left them fearful and vulnerable.—
David Crary,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
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They were convicted of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred and sentenced to two years in prison.—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contempt. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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