disdain 1 of 2

disdain

2 of 2

verb

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
The progress marks a dramatic turn in Trump’s long-standing, long-public disdain for the EU, a view that served as the backdrop to months of frustrating and intractable trade discussions this year. Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 9 July 2025 Recession-indicator jokes are everywhere — anything that hits at an intersection of vague nostalgia and bizarre disdain can be a sign of our tanking economy. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 8 July 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 See All Example Sentences for disdain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain
Noun
  • Officials arrested the 55-year-old on Saturday after a Missouri judge held her in contempt of court for dodging court orders regarding $224,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs owed to PETA.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2025
  • The series of photos — and a follow-up Valentine's Day post — were not well-received by Arroyo, who told PEOPLE that Rossi and Smiley barely saw Grayson and all there have been eight contempt of court orders over the years.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 18 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
Noun
  • There’s a great tradition in sports of being driven by a fear, or a hatred, of that feeling.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • She’s been feeling so much hatred, so much anger, so much sadness, so much disappointment these last few episodes.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 13 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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