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

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

But that contempt doesn't reflect the every man (or every woman). — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The contempt hearing Hoskins’ comments come in the wake of a chaotic redistricting battle that has dominated Missouri politics for the past year. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Femicide is defined as the killing of a woman in a domestic setting or out of contempt for women. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026