disdain 1 of 2

noun

dis-ˈdān How to pronounce disdain (audio)
Definition of disdainnext
as in contempt
open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect showing undisguised disdain for the other employees

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

disdain

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈdān How to pronounce disdain (audio)
as in to disrespect
to show contempt for disdained the deserter as a coward

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb disdain differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disdain are contemn, despise, and scorn. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

When might contemn be a better fit than disdain?

The words contemn and disdain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

In what contexts can despise take the place of disdain?

While the synonyms despise and disdain are close in meaning, despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

despises cowards

When is scorn a more appropriate choice than disdain?

In some situations, the words scorn and disdain are roughly equivalent. However, scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

scorns the very thought of retirement

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 disdain
Noun
People were simply happy to see each other again, having gone through the final season boycott and reverse boycott together and unified in their disdain for A’s owner John Fisher but with no contempt for the players and coaches who had no choice but to follow their job out of town. — Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2025 Trump has recently garnered the disdain of Canadian citizens by threatening to impose significant tariffs on goods imported into the U.S. from its northern neighbor and suggesting a merge of the countries to establish Canada as the 51st state. — Ailia Zehra, The Hill, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
For the Post’s editorial board to disdain substantial Chinese production for the rest of the world is for those same editorialists to disdain the division of labor that is at the root of all productive advance. — John Tamny, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Unlike drunkenness and hygiene issues — such as clipping fingernails and taking off shoes — which are widely disdained by fellow passengers, opinions on seat reclining mainly fall into two camps: those who say don’t do it, and others who argue the recline button exists for a reason. — Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for disdain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain
  1. contempt
  2. disrespect
  3. hatred
  4. hate
  5. despise
  6. scorn
Noun
  • Five years later, the architects of the Covid Era’s lockdown insanity deserve only our contempt.
    — Jeffrey Blehar, National Review, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Anyone who doesn’t respect the order could be found in contempt of court.
    — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of contempt
Verb
  • The position of running back has been thoroughly disrespected by NFL decision makers for much of the last decade.
    — Steve Silverman, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The trio are far from the first tourists to disrespect the Baroque water feature, which was completed in 1762, despite the many signs around it indicating the penalties for attempting to enter or drink the water.
    — Moná Thomas, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of disrespect
Noun
  • Even if those two men didn’t make it out of Europe alive, the unspeakable acts carried out in the name of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich would still live on in infamy, reminding humanity what blind hatred and xenophobia could lead to if a society wasn’t careful.
    — Josh Weiss, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Venerable baby boomer Kevin Bacon plays the titular bounty hunter Hub Halloran, a proud Georgia man with little tolerance for tomfoolery and a hatred of the Red Sox.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of hatred
Verb
  • Some fans are slamming the cover, which partially explains why companies hate leaks.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Our protagonist, Jeff, hates romance reality shows with as much passion as his girlfriend adores them.
    — Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of hate
Verb
  • Some complained that the editorials have become like CNN, MSNBC, and other news sources that Republicans despise.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The stifling centripetal forces of globalism despise the defiant particularism of the Jewish nation and the modern Jewish state.
    — Newsweek, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of despise
Verb
  • Although originally scorned by critics, the series proved immensely popular, lasting nine seasons and spinning off several TV movies.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025
  • That discontent was laid bare in December after the brazen killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson unleashed social media scorn at his company and a U.S. health insurance industry that serves as gatekeeper to the nation's $4.5 trillion health care system.
    — David Robinson, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
Definition of scorn

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Cite this Entry

“Disdain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disdain. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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