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
Third, the scorn for this trio now seems priced in at these low levels relative to their highs. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026 One day, Salim endures abuse from Israeli soldiers and earns the scorn of Noor, who is radicalized both by his grandfather’s trauma and his father’s apparent cowardice. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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 The show has drawn praise for its meticulous re-creation of ‘90s New York — and also scorn from members of the Kennedy family and mixed reactions from others who knew the couple. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scorn
Noun
  • Nastasa has been arrested 38 times in New York City, with charges including robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, grand larceny, threat by phone and criminal contempt.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Hegseth exudes contempt for the rules of war, international law and simple humanity.
    Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • Because that man is going out of his way to remind everyone why, exactly, he is universally disdained.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Though Brigitta despises him, Maria shelters him.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Iowans despised slavery, treasured 'radical experiment' Thirteen Iowans died and 141 were wounded in the rout of the Union forces at Wilson's Creek.
    Bill Steiden, Des Moines Register, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • What was disturbing were people who sped past a foot away from elderly people, shouting obscenities with faces twisted in hatred.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Këkht Aräkh is not unique in his loneliness; the pain of being alone is as thematically central to DSBM as the hatred of Christianity.
    Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The guard then went to Ada’s table and — according to the girl’s parents — spoke to Ada and her mother aggressively about disrespecting and harassing people.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
  • In contrast, his wife, Chandravati, is selfish as a daughter-in-law and disrespects Swasthani, leading to enormous misery for her.
    Jessica Vantine Birkenholtz, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Jurors were later instructed to disregard large portions of the girl’s testimony, which the appellate panel said was likely confusing to the jury.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Taylor Swift‘s latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, has sparked a lawsuit from a writer, who accuses the singer of knowingly disregarding her claim to a similar name.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The astronauts famously hated the bagged-poop approach.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
  • And what little that gets done is highly partisan and generally hated by the other side and is then attacked relentlessly when the other side regains power.
    Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scorn. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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