scorn 1 of 2

Definition of scornnext

scorn

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb scorn differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scorn are contemn, despise, and disdain. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

scorns the very thought of retirement

When might contemn be a better fit than scorn?

The words contemn and scorn can be used in similar contexts, but contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

Where would despise be a reasonable alternative to scorn?

The synonyms despise and scorn are sometimes interchangeable, but despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

despises cowards

When is disdain a more appropriate choice than scorn?

In some situations, the words disdain and scorn are roughly equivalent. However, disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

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 scorn
Noun
Paramount came in for particular scorn. David Folkenflik, NPR, 8 Dec. 2025 Other women were political leaders who earned the scorn of their contemporaries. Time, 24 Nov. 2025
Verb
Western sunniness about coexistence with China, of the Tom Friedman kind, should be scorned. Ian Parker, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025 Now that scorned versatile player might want to stick it to the 49ers, who’ve allowed six touchdowns to tight ends in the past six games. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scorn
Noun
  • What the late Ka did to build resolve against the unforgiving brutalities of Brownsville, Marci combines with the flair of a Bond villain and contempt for anyone attempting to copy his mold.
    Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Such vague commands, the court said, leave agents guessing how to respond during fast-moving protest situations and expose them to possible contempt sanctions.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • While some other schools have disdained it, particularly because of coaching searches and roster turnover and perhaps over financial costs that make bowls a wash or worse on the payday, Drinkwitz and MU don’t want to surrender the present to the future.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025
  • Matt is fighting against a woman who hates Christianity, will take away your guns, wants Open Borders, Transgender for everybody, men in women’s sports, and openly disdains Country music.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The production reimagines the titular character as Alice, a novelist who despises hollow contemporary mantras and faces backlash for speaking her mind.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
  • The talent to look into a mirror and not despise the person staring at me.
    Keith McNally, Vanity Fair, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Global leaders reflected on rising antisemitism and the need for unity to combat hatred and war, drawing parallels to defeating Nazism in 1945.
    Vanessa Gera, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The annual global event remembers the 6 million Jewish victims and millions of other victims and the commitment to stand against hatred and intolerance.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Sadly, too many of us have felt dismissed or disrespected by a doctor.
    Crystal Cene, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Reynolds and others also complained that commissioners disregarded previous wetland-restoration work that Kelly performed on the site.
    Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Advising a homeowners association used to occasionally be very stressful, especially when directors would argue with me or a board would disregard my advice.
    Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • We should all be so hated by Hollywood!
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Even though the audience hated it, Susan and I loved it.
    Jeremy Helligar, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scorn. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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