Synonyms of scorn

scorn 1 of 2

noun

ˈskȯrn 

as in contempt

open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect

has nothing but scorn for newfangled ideas of any kind

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contempt
• disdain
• hatred
• disgust
• distaste
• hate
• malice
• hostility
• despite
• resentment
• hatefulness
• jealousy
• spite
• contemptuousness
• ridicule
• despisement
• loathing
• misprision
• revulsion
• detestation
• grudge
• odium
• abhorrence
• animosity
• condemnation
• repugnance
• enmity
• meanness
• malignity
• antagonism
• bitterness
• repulsion
• despitefulness
• derision
• malevolence
• execration
• rancor
• malignancy
• antipathy
• disparagement
• bile
• maliciousness
• vitriol
• venom
• abomination
• vindictiveness
• gall
• censure
• spitefulness
• depreciation
• denunciation
• virulence
• vituperation
• pique
• aversion
• abuse
• invective
• lovelessness
• mockery
• aspersion
• invidiousness
• jaundice
• detraction
• spleen
• horror
• belittlement
• deprecation
• cattiness
• diminishment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respect
• admiration
• esteem
• regard
• estimation
• favor
• acceptance
• tolerance
• reverence
• deference
• worship
• adoration
• veneration
• adulation
• idolatry
• love
• affection
• glorification
• fondness
• liking
• deification
• idolization
• fancy
• lionization

scorn

2 of 2

verb

ˈskȯrn 

1

as in to disdain

to show contempt for

scorned the religious traditions of their ancestors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disdain
• disrespect
• hate
• despise
• contemn
• snub
• look down (on or upon)
• walk over
• sniff (at)
• sneeze at
• slight
• snoot
• scout
• high-hat
• dis
• detest
• thumb one's nose (at)
• loathe
• abhor
• look down one's nose (at)
• abominate
• disparage
• belittle
• execrate
• deprecate
• deplore
• frown (on or upon)
• discountenance
• disapprove (of)
• disfavor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respect
• honor
• treasure
• prize
• value
• admire
• cherish
• esteem
• accept
• worship
• revere
• appreciate
• approve (of)
• countenance
• care (for)
• subscribe (to)
• lionize
• favor
• venerate
• hallow
• OK

2

as in to despise

to ignore in a disrespectful manner

she scorned the advice of her ophthalmologist and had the laser eye surgery anyway

Synonyms & Similar Words

• despise
• disregard
• forget
• dismiss
• flout
• neglect
• overlook
• pass over
• disparage
• belittle
• slight
• deprecate
• slur (over)
• overpass

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accept
• use
• approve

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

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

Recent Examples of scorn

Noun

Bregman played his first nine seasons with the Houston Astros, winning World Series titles in 2017 and 2022 — although the first of those yielded a sign-stealing scandal that earned Bregman and his teammates plenty of scorn. —CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026

And a special shout out to Katy Perry, whose Lifetimes tour earned scorn from anonymous internet haters. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 21 Dec. 2025

Verb

Hell hath no fury like a therapist scorned. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026

If Damsky returns to law school, some classmates will treat him as a social pariah who deserves scorn. —Conor Friedersdorf, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026