Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

Thesaurus

disdain

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of disdain

open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect
  • showing undisguised disdain for the other employees
Synonyms of disdain

contempt, contemptuousness, despisement, despite, despitefulness, scorn
Words Related to disdain

abhorrence, abomination, detestation, execration, hate, hatred, loathing, lovelessness

cattiness, hatefulness, invidiousness, malevolence, malice, maliciousness, malignancy, malignity, meanness, spite, spitefulness

aversion, disgust, distaste, horror, odium, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion

animosity, antagonism, antipathy, bitterness, enmity, gall, grudge, hostility, jealousy, pique, resentment

bile, jaundice, rancor, spleen, venom, vindictiveness, virulence, vitriol

aspersion, belittlement, deprecation, depreciation, detraction, diminishment, disparagement

derision, mockery, ridicule

abuse, invective, vituperation

censure, condemnation, denunciation
Near Antonyms of disdain

acceptance, tolerance

adoration, adulation, deference, deification, glorification, idolatry, idolization, lionization, reverence, veneration, worship

affection, fancy, fondness, liking, love
Antonyms of disdain

admiration, esteem, estimation, favor, regard, respect

disdain

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of disdain

to show contempt for
  • disdained the deserter as a coward
Synonyms of disdain

contemn, disrespect, high-hat, look down (on or upon), scorn, slight, sniff (at), snub
Words Related to disdain

scout

abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate, loathe

belittle, deplore, deprecate, disparage

disapprove (of), discountenance, disfavor, frown (on or upon)
Phrases Synonymous with disdain

look down one's nose (at), sneeze at, thumb one's nose (at), walk over
Near Antonyms of disdain

cherish, prize, treasure, value

admire, esteem, lionize

hallow, revere, venerate, worship

accept, appreciate, approve (of), care (for), countenance, favor, OK (or okay), subscribe (to)
Antonyms of disdain

honor, respect

Synonym Discussion of disdain

despise, contemn, scorn, disdain mean to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration. despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.
    • despises cowards
contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.
    • contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers
scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.
    • scorns the very thought of retirement
disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.
    • disdained popular music

Learn More about disdain

  1. See words that rhyme with disdain Dictionary: Definition of disdain Spanish Central: Translation of disdain Nglish: Translation of disdain for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of disdain for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up disdain? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games