Synonyms of disdain

disdain 1 of 2

noun

dis-ˈdān 

as in contempt

open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect

showing undisguised disdain for the other employees

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contempt
• hatred
• disgust
• distaste
• scorn
• hate
• malice
• hostility
• hatefulness
• despite
• contemptuousness
• resentment
• jealousy
• despisement
• spite
• misprision
• loathing
• revulsion
• abhorrence
• despitefulness
• grudge
• animosity
• meanness
• repugnance
• detestation
• malevolence
• bitterness
• enmity
• antipathy
• condemnation
• repulsion
• antagonism
• ridicule
• malignity
• maliciousness
• malignancy
• abomination
• disparagement
• vindictiveness
• spitefulness
• odium
• depreciation
• derision
• lovelessness
• aversion
• rancor
• execration
• bile
• virulence
• pique
• invidiousness
• vitriol
• venom
• abuse
• jaundice
• detraction
• horror
• gall
• denunciation
• vituperation
• spleen
• censure
• invective
• mockery
• belittlement
• aspersion
• deprecation
• diminishment
• cattiness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respect
• admiration
• regard
• esteem
• favor
• estimation
• acceptance
• tolerance
• reverence
• deference
• adoration
• worship
• love
• adulation
• veneration
• idolatry
• glorification
• affection
• fondness
• liking
• deification
• idolization
• fancy
• lionization

disdain

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈdān 

as in to disrespect

to show contempt for

disdained the deserter as a coward

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disrespect
• hate
• despise
• scorn
• diss
• contemn
• snub
• look down (on or upon)
• sniff (at)
• walk over
• sneeze at
• slight
• high-hat
• snoot
• scout
• detest
• loathe
• abhor
• dis
• thumb one's nose (at)
• disparage
• abominate
• look down one's nose (at)
• belittle
• execrate
• deplore
• disapprove (of)
• frown (on or upon)
• deprecate
• disfavor
• discountenance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• respect
• honor
• treasure
• admire
• value
• prize
• cherish
• esteem
• appreciate
• revere
• accept
• worship
• favor
• approve (of)
• care (for)
• okay
• countenance
• subscribe (to)
• lionize
• OK
• venerate
• hallow

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

Examples of disdain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

America cannot regress back to a divisive paradigm of loathing toward one another and disdain for our Constitution. —Marina Watts, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024

Combs’s apparent disdain for the aspiring musicians on his show still pervades multiple spheres of culture, including newer platforms. —Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 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