DISDAIN Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

disdain 1 of 2

noun

dis-ˈdān

Definition of disdain next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

disdain

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈdān

as in to disrespect

to show contempt for disdained the deserter as a coward

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 main challenge here will be to manage RFK’s disdain for mainstream environmental health science. —

Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 Brought even closer by the death of their parents at an early age, Rosie’s love for Marian is only outpaced by her disdain for Norman Henry (Patinkin). —

Denise Petski, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024

Verb

Because technology companies grew large and successful in an era when government deliberately minimized its own role, today’s tech leaders generally see public policy as an impediment to innovation and disdain the grubby business of policymaking and partisanship. —

Margaret O’Mara, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2022 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 See all Example Sentences for disdain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain

Noun

The state filed a similar motion to hold Etienne in contempt again in 2023, court records show.

Chris Quintana, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
On November 26, Federal Judge Laura Taylor Swain ruled that New York City and the Department of Correction were in contempt on all 18 provisions reached in a settlement of a class-action lawsuit for failing to prevent violence and implement reform on Rikers Island.

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024