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
  • But the Gaza proposal should be seen in the context of a president who believes fervently in his own power of persuasion, who disdains traditional diplomacy, and whose Mideast envoy is a businessman with no experience in that field.
    Howard LaFranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Feb. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • Bath Time With Nervous Dogs Dogs are commonly known to hate baths.
    Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Love it or hate it, February 14 is right around the corner.
    Erin Reimel, Glamour, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Does Beyoncé winning Album of the Year help emerging Black artists get more radio play, or record deals that come with healthcare, or even the playing field in a landscape that disregards and disrespects Black women?
    Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Being ignored or not having your time honored are among the common signs of being disrespected by your partner, these experts wrote.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And young people are hard-wired to reject pressure from their parents, whether by piercing their noses or by voting for a candidate whom elder family members despise.
    Callie Holtermann, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025
  • No mention from him of the reasons why Aussies might despise him.
    Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Is his tendency to scorn sentimentality on sight a put-on or a character flaw?
    Rhoda Feng, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Most people applauded the owner's quick response, while others scorned her for letting her dogs outside without winter protection.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Years later, instead of lamenting that a rap powerhouse was halted by one of the first instances of rap on trial, hip-hop discourse reduces Murder Inc.’s downfall to diss songs.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025
  • After Drake shared the Lamar diss track to Instagram on April 19, Tupac's estate took issue with the use of his voice and issued a cease-and-desist letter demanding the song be taken down.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near contemn

Cite this Entry

“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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