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

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
Last year, the Department of Agriculture reopened applications for a federal scholarship for those studying agriculture at HBCUs after its suspension was met with scorn from lawmakers. Max Rego, The Hill, 16 Feb. 2026 Third, the scorn for this trio now seems priced in at these low levels relative to their highs. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
In character as a free spirit who scorns social convention, Davis is all haughty tosses of the head and sneering lines. Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026 With assistance from Pittsburgh engineer Don Gilmore, the chapel received a new foundation, roof, columned porch, and was bestowed with historical status—all of which helped shift Evans City’s perspective on the film that, until then, some locals had scorned. Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scorn
Noun
  • Lawlor’s account helps explain why this contempt is so corrosive.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The small band of House Republicans who backed the effort to subpoena former Attorney General Pam Bondi have brushed off a plan from Democrats to hold her in contempt, leading to a split in the parties on how much there is to glean from hearing from her.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • At his behest Aurangzeb—who disdained poetry—sent agents across India and Persia to assemble a literary circle befitting her.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026
  • In Sondheim’s body of work, Okrent searches for the autobiographical resonances that Sondheim himself mostly disdained.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This election is a profound game-changer, not only for the people, but also the arts, liberating all those who were despised, sidelined or silenced by the corrupt regime.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
  • His downfall should burst the bubble of those on the right who think the path to permanent power is to mimic reactionary politics that despise checks and balances, individual rights, and economic freedom.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Hard fouls, trash talk and verbal jabs on the floor, and in the media, set a slight tone of hatred that fuels competitiveness and creates lasting memories.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Like Carlson, his hatred of Jews led him to claim support for the one minority with which the state of the Jewish people is in conflict.
    Alan M. Dershowitz, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Bugles are very disrespected these days.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The latter effort unintentionally stands in stark contrast to the views of prominent politicians who publicly disrespect POW bravery.
    Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Those who disregard the initial fee or four overdue payments face a $1,012 fine.
    Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
  • And so to be disregarded in such a disrespectful way is….
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Niall, for his part, only comes to hate himself more as gay acceptance goes mainstream, his initial distress over his sexuality compounded by humiliation at being unable to get past that distress.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Pahlavi is the son of Iran’s former shah, who was so widely hated that millions took to the streets in 1979 to force him from power.
    Sean Nevin, NBC news, 24 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scorn. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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