contemn

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contemn differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contemn are despise, disdain, and scorn. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

When is despise a more appropriate choice than contemn?

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

despises cowards

When can disdain be used instead of contemn?

The words disdain and contemn can be used in similar contexts, but disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

When might scorn be a better fit than contemn?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemn, 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 contemn Consequently, the Sadrists were contemned and discounted by Iraq’s liberal elite who form the core of the ICP. Benedict Robin, Washington Post, 7 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemn
Verb
  • Even Netflix’s content factory is now licensing the very YouTube creators whom audiences once disdained as amateurs.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 17 July 2025
  • He was torn between disdaining them and entertaining the possibility of getting into that business, which was clearly going to grow with the transition.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • As a door-to-door fax machine saleswoman, Sara Blakely hated wearing traditional pantyhose.
    Iain Martin, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The local media are used to it, but out-of-town media hate the setup.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Bad sequels often downplay or disrespect themes or messages.
    Lauren Uppal, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
  • In those rankings, Bryant was heavily disrespected and placed at No. 11 on the list.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • On state television, tightly controlled by the Kremlin, Washington’s U-turn on providing weapons to Ukraine has been roundly slated, with President Trump being compared to his presidential predecessor, widely despised in Russia.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
  • What Gauguin despised was the misapplication of religion, not religion itself.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • His ostentatious well-being is scorned by Walker, who equates equilibrium with compromise.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
  • As master of ceremonies at her Fool’s Moon cabaret, Puella displays the kind of unearned self-assurance that usually wins praise for men and scorn for women.
    Michael Snyder, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Long before Eminem and Mariah Carey dissed one another, they were rumored to have dated.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 9 June 2025
  • One cast member dissing another’s new business venture.
    John Kell, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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