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
Those who know better but act badly deserve the scorn of the people — maybe more than the lunatic-in-chief. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 That comment drew some scorn from Judge William Nardini, who interrupted her. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
At a raucous commission meeting Tuesday, City Manager Rickelle Williams faced a storm of withering accusations in her initial job evaluation — mostly from Mayor Dean Trantalis, who eagerly supported hiring Williams last year but now scorns her in public. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026 By then the Illinois-breds — the subject of so much ridicule and scorn when the race-a-day was introduced — had become a success story. Neil Milbert, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scorn
Noun
  • Trump’s contempt and cruelty toward his enemies has been an important part of his appeal to his Christian base.
    Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
  • Meta’s contempt-of-court filing was not yet available today.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • As was ever the case, the Babe returned fire, answering the heckles by mocking the Cubs players and disdaining their fans.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • Musk has long disdained the norms that the executives who run giant public companies typically embrace.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Though often despised, carp are exceedingly shy and difficult, and great fighters.
    Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026
  • Corporate bosses and some regulators have long despised the practice of rooting for share prices to fall, but defenders say short selling creates an incentive to expose wrongdoing and acts as a check on increasingly passive stock markets.
    Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • These reports have significantly contributed to increasing hatred towards Islam.
    Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
  • Was there a true hatred or deep respect?
    Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • From disrespecting local customs and getting pickpocketed to forgetting to reapply sunscreen and overpacking, European tour guides have truly seen it all.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026
  • Matt Cardona interrupted the chat and Zayn tried to show Gargano he was still getting disrespected.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • The city of Aledo is considering ordinances targeting e-bikes and golf carts following numerous complaints from residents that riders are ignoring traffic rules, running stop signs and disregarding pedestrians on sidewalks.
    Mary Ella Hastings June 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026
  • Healey, a former two-term attorney general, is completely disregarding public safety by her reckless rhetoric and actions – all to win another election.
    Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • And like Limbaugh, who built himself from a radio shock jock to a media titan by feeding listeners’ grievances, Fuentes tells his audience a story that encourages them to channel their anxieties and frustrations into disdain and hate for women and non-white people.
    Donie O'Sullivan, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
  • Many of their performances are blasphemous, and their work only displays hate and mockery of Catholics and the Christian faith.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scorn. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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