as in sniffing (at)
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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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for looking down (on or upon)
Verb
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After a year of Trump disrespecting European allies, many had wondered how much of the old transatlantic ties remained.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
24 Jan. 2026 -
Deerfield Beach is cutting ties with the Broward Sheriff’s Office after a 35-year relationship that deteriorated over the last 12 months, with each side accusing the other of disrespecting leadership and putting politics and personalities ahead of policing needs.—
Rafael Olmeda,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The storyline has been that Apple can’t shoot straight; the antipathy of the Apple-using/hating commentators runs so deep that the critics dredged up the canard that Apple’s done nothing since former CEO Steve Jobs died.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
25 Jan. 2026
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Misogyny, Manne argues, is often less about hating women outright than about policing and punishing their behavior.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
16 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Looking down (on or upon).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/looking%20down%20%28on%20or%20upon%29. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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