scorn 1 of 2

scorn

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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 growing Schumer scorn underlines the party's urgent divide over how to handle President Trump's (at times legally dubious) executive steamroller. Avery Lotz, Axios, 23 Mar. 2025 A lot of recent productions deserve this scorn—literally. Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
Behind closed doors on Tuesday morning, Mr. Trump addressed each of the factions in turn, according to lawmakers who attended the meeting, lavishing praise on some Republicans and scorning others who have withheld their support for the legislation. Catie Edmondson, New York Times, 20 May 2025 Note that there is no comma—no Oxford comma, that is, beloved of this publication and often scorned elsewhere—before the conjunction. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for scorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scorn
Noun
  • What to do instead Gottman’s antidote for contempt is to co-create a culture of fondness and appreciation.
    Kelley J. Brower, CNBC, 5 June 2025
  • Additionally, Garcia filed a motion Wednesday morning in Jackson County Circuit Court asking a judge to find Abarca in contempt of court for allegedly violating the conditions of the protective order.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • But just because a stock has been quiescent for a while is no reason to disdain it.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Perhaps no other American statesman has ever disdained the role of idealism in foreign policy—the meddling of human-rights activists and democracy crusaders—quite like Kissinger.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • This is a series between two rivals that despise each other.
    Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • But in public spaces, the Russian Federation and the Soviet Union are roundly despised.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • But his hatred only a means to an end, and that end his his own glorification.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 June 2025
  • When the topic of Clark came up in discussion, Braun was hopeful that the apparent hatred against Clark, and throughout the association and its fans, could come to an end, while siding with Banks.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The missing displays that once filled the lobbies of two floors of the library sparked anguish in the Five Points neighborhood as leaders in the Black community feared the Denver Public Library was erasing their history and disrespecting a community that has contributed so much to the city.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 24 May 2025
  • This is in no way shade or disrespect to the many celebrities who come to Kansas City every year to raise money for Children’s Mercy during Big Slick Celebrity Weekend.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • The Edgar County Watchdogs Inc. sued the Village of Dolton and the former mayor for failing to produce financial records after the administration allegedly disregarded Freedom of Information Act requests earlier this year.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2025
  • Advancing American Freedom, the advocacy group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, is circulating a memo telling Congress to disregard the CBO’s deficit projections.
    Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • In an Oval Office meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the U.S. president likened the war in Ukraine — which Russia invaded in February 2022 — to a fight between two children who hate each other.
    Seung Min Kim, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • In an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump likened the war in Ukraine — which Russia invaded in early 2022 — to a fight between two young children who hated each other.
    Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scorn. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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