disdain 1 of 2

disdain

2 of 2

verb

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

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 disdain
Noun
Kershaw’s competitive spirit reaches entirely new levels of intensity as his demeanor is fueled by a disdain for losing. Wayne G. McDonnell, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025 Trump, however, has repeatedly criticized Russia’s expulsion and made no secret of his disdain for the G-7—even quitting its 2018 summit in a huff. Stewart Patrick, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
Yes, Trump disdains core elements of U.S. globalism, from the international trade system America established to its promotion of democratic values and its defense commitments around the world. Hal Brands, Twin Cities, 13 July 2025 Isn’t the point that Texans, Floridians and Tennesseans disdain big government, and by extension, would like to control it more? John Tamny, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for disdain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain
Noun
  • Trump’s contempt for legal norms and Guantánamo’s legacy of ambiguous legality are thus a fitting match, however disturbing that compatibility may be.
    Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Franklin and Valley have appealed that contempt of court ruling to the Arkansas Supreme Court.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Your husband overreacted and disrespected you, slapping food and mocking you.
    Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Even though many media members and fans have disrespected him by calling him a game manager, Hurts has continued to make plays.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Raised under Augusta’s religious terror and hatred for women, Ed tries to hide his penchant for ladies’ underwear and masturbation to no avail.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Not as a land of fear, not as a divisiveness, not of government censorship, not of hatred.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Some hate can't be negotiated out.
    Michael Ruiz , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The reasons for loving Adams in Leeds white were the same reasons for hating him while playing for the opposition.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Really loved, obsessively loved and despised by every critic.
    Jen Juneau, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
  • His pushback against an effort to overhaul capital requirements earned him praise from Washington allies of the banking industry, which despised that proposal.
    Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • By 1845, Marx was scorning his colleagues for floating in the clouds.
    Shai Tubali, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The scorelessness has turned to scorn, too.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disdain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disdain. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disdain

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