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Synonym Chooser

How is the word contemptible different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of contemptible are despicable, pitiable, scurvy, and sorry. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

When is despicable a more appropriate choice than contemptible?

In some situations, the words despicable and contemptible are roughly equivalent. However, despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

When would pitiable be a good substitute for contemptible?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemptible, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

How are the words scurvy and despicable related as synonyms of contemptible?

Scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

When might sorry be a better fit than contemptible?

The synonyms sorry and contemptible are sometimes interchangeable, but sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

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 contemptible Fiona Shaw is so perfectly contemptible throughout those scenes on the sailboat, rendering Angelica so completely self-absorbed and so cruel, that her likely death feels like an immediate relief. Caroline Framke, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2024 Most Europeans find Donald Trump alien and contemptible and a man unsuited for the U.S. presidency. David Goodart, Foreign Affairs, 15 Aug. 2017 It’s turned out very badly and the right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu is contemptible. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024 Be open-minded and recognize that even a campaign opponent — even the contemptible Trump — can occasionally be onto something worthwhile. George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for contemptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemptible
Adjective
  • And at times, in certain places and situations, it was expected and welcome—on a long walk, or when a person confessed something pitiful, or at a funeral or a party.
    Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • This could have been a sad or pitiful moment; instead, it was suffused with warmth.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The double talk that is presented by both Republicans and Democrats alike is pathetic.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
  • Tehran's retaliation has, so far, been pathetic: a few missiles lobbed at an empty US base, complete with a heads-up.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • But here’s the hard truth: the First Amendment protects vile, hateful speech, not just popular opinions.
    Bob Shaw, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
  • The second my status came into question, the vile comments on my worthiness came out, and those comments are telling.
    Sonam Sheth Gabe Whisnant Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.
    Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 June 2021
  • My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.
    Tim Neville, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
  • Her somewhat implausible problem is that her bad feelings—her irritation, her boredom—never register as such because of her beauty, her wealth, and her pedigree; so great is her beauty that even her nastiest moods feel like a sunny glow to others.
    Claire Jarvis, New Yorker, 8 July 2025
  • But use kind humor, not nasty or deprecating humor.
    Davia Temin, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • So Amazfit Active 2 $100 $80 (20% off) Amazon $100 $80 (20% off) Amazfit Our top budget fitness tracker is even cheaper thanks to Prime Day.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 8 July 2025
  • Shop the Asus Vivobook Go 15.6-Inch FHD Slim Laptop, which is marked down to its cheapest price of the year.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Environmentalists and labor rights activists have complained that China's graphite mining and production is dirty and dangerous.
    Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 7 July 2025
  • Use the packing cubes to separate clean and dirty clothes for the duration of your cruise.
    Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • That was a fine symbolic soundtrack for the numbing atmosphere after a game that epitomized a wretched stretch for the Royals — one that is threatening to define and derail a seemingly promising season.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025
  • That bubble prevents clouds from forming, meaning no rain, intense sunshine and wretched humidity.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemptible. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contemptible

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