Synonyms of disdain

disdain 1 of 2

noun

dis-ˈdān 

as in contempt

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

showing undisguised disdain for the other employees

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

disdain

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈdān 

as in to disrespect

to show contempt for

disdained the deserter as a coward

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disrespect
• hate
• despise
• scorn
• contemn
• snub
• look down (on or upon)
• sniff (at)
• walk over
• sneeze at
• slight
• high-hat
• snoot
• scout
• detest
• loathe
• abhor
• dis
• thumb one's nose (at)
• disparage
• abominate
• look down one's nose (at)
• belittle
• execrate
• disapprove (of)
• frown (on or upon)
• deprecate
• deplore
• disfavor
• discountenance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respect
• honor
• treasure
• admire
• value
• prize
• cherish
• esteem
• revere
• appreciate
• accept
• worship
• favor
• approve (of)
• care (for)
• countenance
• subscribe (to)
• lionize
• OK
• venerate
• hallow

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disdain differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disdain are contemn, despise, and scorn. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

When might contemn be a better fit than disdain?

The words contemn and disdain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

In what contexts can despise take the place of disdain?

While the synonyms despise and disdain are close in meaning, despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

despises cowards

When is scorn a more appropriate choice than disdain?

In some situations, the words scorn and disdain are roughly equivalent. However, scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

scorns the very thought of retirement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of disdain

Noun

There is a disdain for mainstream filmmaking and that contempt comes off the page reading that review. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026

On the other side of the AI-reasoning fence, the disdain seems to be mutual. — John Pavlus, Quanta Magazine, 31 July 2026

Verb

Raised in a household of voracious readers in suburban Philadelphia, her father a professor of Spanish at the University of Pennsylvania and her mother having worked for magazines, Sebold disdained the university’s frat culture. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026

These days, sports gambling is legal in 39 states, accessible on your phone app in 30 and, in dozens of places, actually paying millions in sponsorship deals to the very college programs that disdain this kind of activity by their players. — ABC News, 10 June 2026