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

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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

From Jeffrey’s team, Chloe’s remade dress, with an off-the-shoulder top and an awful mesh corset patch tied with a blue ribbon, is universally hated by the judges.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 July 2026
The loudmouth shorts that Corporate America loves to hate are likely to stay on the sidelines a while longer – nobody likes the guy at the party complaining the music is too loud.

— Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 23 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.

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look down one's nose (at)

look down (on or upon)

looked

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“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 30 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of look down (on or upon)

verb

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