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
The opposition The North Natomas site has drawn scorn from dozens of area residents who arrived at City Hall to voice opposition, plead for the city to reconsider the location and threaten a lawsuit at a recent council meeting. Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 16 Mar. 2026 For the next four decades, DERM would survive budget cuts, changing politics and the scorn of developers. Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Around another corner is Hagar in the Wilderness (1875), still inhabiting the wasteland around her after being scorned by Abraham. Tyehimba Jess, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026 The hypocrisy is especially rank as RFK pushes the Food and Drug Administration to loosen restrictions on peptides, an experimental fad among wellness influencers who scorn traditional medicine. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scorn
Noun
  • On one side is challenger Holly Cook, who has filed for bankruptcy twice, been held in contempt of court on nine counts, been pursued by multiple collections agencies and once was labeled a vexatious litigant, court records showed.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026
  • Betty repeatedly left lewd messages on the newlywed couple’s answering machine, to the point that Dan threatened to file criminal contempt charges, The Times reported at the time.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 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
  • Nearly half of Americans despise them, seeing the wealthy as the beneficiaries of a corrupt system who got rich at their expense.
    Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 13 May 2026
  • The goddess Hera — who despised Heracles — later set the crab in the heavens in the form of the constellation Cancer as a reward for its bravery.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • The Soros’ announcement did not say how the foundations will define antisemitism — a point of contention on college campuses and in state legislatures where debates have raged over whether criticism of Israel amounts to hatred of Jewish people.
    James Pollard, Fortune, 13 May 2026
  • The movie thus offers a complaint about the end results of Putinism, not about the ideas—the emotions, the enthusiasms, the resentments, the hatreds—that brought it about.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Clark is no stranger to disrespect in rankings, awards, play and coverage over the years.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
  • Don’t think for a moment Dubas won’t feel the heat in Pittsburgh if Penguins fans believe Malkin, Letang or Crosby is disrespected in any manner at the conclusion of their careers.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • In it, Hayek cautioned against the growing intellectual and political notions that disregarded liberty in favor of central planning of economic affairs.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
  • Trump has instituted a pay-to-play system for his allies and unilaterally started wars while disregarding Congress’s authority as a coequal branch of government.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Inspired by true events, LifeHack follows Kyle and his crew of digital Robin Hoods who hack scammers and steal from people the internet loves to hate, working from the comfort of their bedrooms.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 May 2026
  • What smells do earwigs hate the most?
    Dan Simms, USA Today, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scorn. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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