LOOK DOWN (ON OR UPON) Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

look down (on or upon)

verb

Definition of look down (on or upon)

as in to disdain

to show contempt for I am tired of the way they look down on us like we aren't good enough for them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for look down (on or upon)

Verb

And, like Maverick, Hegseth disdains rules against showy flyovers.

— Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
The title character disdains the common folk, and the play’s complicated political discussion and harsh, jagged poetry aren’t what most picnicking playgoers are after.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of disdain

Verb

The leak itself received a mountain of backlash from industry professionals, animators and others for disrespecting the years of work put into crafting the film.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Kenzie completely rejects Corbin’s because Corbin, having disrespected her, is now dead to her.

— Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 30 June 2026

Definition of disrespect

Verb

Unsurprisingly, residents hate the idea and are resentful that they were blindsided by the announcement.

— AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Could Kohberger have been a serial killer in the making, a man who hates women, or is there enough evidence to exonerate him altogether?

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026

Definition of hate

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.

Browse Nearby Words

look down one's nose (at)

look down (on or upon)

looked

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Look down (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/look%20down%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of look down (on or upon)

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

comely

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes