DISDAIN Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

disdain 1 of 2

noun

dis-ˈdān

Definition of disdain next

as in contempt

open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect showing undisguised disdain for the other employees

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

disdain

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈdān

as in to disrespect

to show contempt for disdained the deserter as a coward

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples 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

Here’s Why Lyle and Erik Menendez Have Called the Ryan Murphy Series 'A Blatant Lie' The former prosecutor showed great disdain for the Menendez brothers in the Netflix documentary but admitted that José had very few, if any, redeeming qualities. —

Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024 Suffering under the weight of her mother’s disdain, Tita takes refuge in the kitchen alongside Nacha, who becomes a surrogate mom to her. —

Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Nov. 2024

Verb

Jets fans make a show of rejecting, almost disdaining, hope—a collective coping mechanism and also a lie. —

Zach Helfand, The New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2024 Much of this attention felt like sincere interest in the work, but some of it proliferated among people who disdained both Black art and Black scholarship. —

A.d. Carson, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for disdain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain

Noun

Sheridan, while working for Arpaio, was found in civil contempt of court in connection with the Melendres racial profiling lawsuit.

Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
On Tuesday, he was released from a federal prison after serving four months for contempt of Congress over his defiance of a subpoena from investigators into the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol.

Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2024