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
In fact, both sides have stated a palpable disdain for each other. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2025 Like many mass shooters including Rupnow, Westman left behind a manifesto offering only disdain for human life and society, written in what appears to be both English and a Cyrllic language. Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
In the mainstream media, and the places where that brand is disdained, there is no room for attention. Jack Fowler, National Review, 4 July 2025 The reckoning that followed the murder of George Floyd has given way to a backlash and a president who disdains efforts at equality, complains of anti-white prejudice and purges powerful Black men and women in the name of a mythical colorblind society. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for disdain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain
Noun
  • But that tale of someone brought into a world that treated him with cruelty and contempt never left him.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
  • He and Steve Bannon were each held in contempt of Congress and imprisoned for four months after the DOJ prosecuted them.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • My wife constantly disrespects me.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Angry Wave Sumrall suggested that Northwestern disrespected New Orleans when the Wildcats declined the Green Wave’s request to wear all-white uniforms without logos, like the 2005 Tulane team did in its first game after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
    Brett Martel, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Foreign perpetrators have been linked to previous acts intended to incite hatred.
    Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The left is always, at all times and places, a violent phenomenon full of hatred.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Xiaoxuemeng Baggy Barrel Pants The pants have a curved seam that gives the legs that barrel or lantern-like shape that people currently love (or hate).
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • There were people who loved it, and people who absolutely hated it — most especially [former New York Observer critic] Rex Reed.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Maybe your coworker has an upcoming presentation to senior leadership or your friend despises mushrooms.
    Lorraine K. Lee, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This absence — of God, of love, of plain community spirit — is a metaphor for the whole parish, where everyone is defined by their own lacks and deficiencies, the weaknesses that cause Wicks to despise them and vow to bring down them all.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Commercial success as Lilith Fair grew new album sales and earned Grammy nominations for its individual artists on tour only fueled unrelenting industry and media scorn.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
  • While oud can be polarizing—prized by some for its longevity and scorned by others for its animalic bite—the version in this bottle is rounder, creamier, and more nuanced than your standard-issue oud oil, with a clarity that feels paradoxical given its depth.
    Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disdain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disdain. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disdain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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