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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective disdainful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of disdainful are arrogant, haughty, insolent, lordly, overbearing, proud, and supercilious. While all these words mean "showing scorn for inferiors," disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

When might arrogant be a better fit than disdainful?

The synonyms arrogant and disdainful are sometimes interchangeable, but arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

Where would haughty be a reasonable alternative to disdainful?

While in some cases nearly identical to disdainful, haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

In what contexts can insolent take the place of disdainful?

Although the words insolent and disdainful have much in common, insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

When can lordly be used instead of disdainful?

The words lordly and disdainful can be used in similar contexts, but lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

When could overbearing be used to replace disdainful?

The meanings of overbearing and disdainful largely overlap; however, overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

When would proud be a good substitute for disdainful?

In some situations, the words proud and disdainful are roughly equivalent. However, proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

When is supercilious a more appropriate choice than disdainful?

The words supercilious and disdainful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

an aloof and supercilious manner

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 disdainful Just days before the Nov. 5 general election, at a time when both campaigns are fighting for voters’ attention, Biden’s remark has given the Trump campaign fodder to portray Biden and the Democrats as divisive or disdainful of Trump’s base of supporters. Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 1 Nov. 2024 Piketty’s inattention to that problem comes across as deliberate and almost disdainful. Arvind Subramanian, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2020 Sure, this is all meaningful information to most Star Wars fans, who know the Sith as the primary anti-Jedi order, disdainful of the Jedi rules about how and why to use the Force. Noel Murray, Vulture, 26 June 2024 Greer’s disdainful, stuck-up lines ooze out of Kidman’s mouth. Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for disdainful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdainful
Adjective
  • The arguments Republicans have made in their opposition to Joe Biden’s contemptuous pardons are pretty compelling.
    Noah Rothman, National Review, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Written by Fielding, Richard Naylor and Jon Brittain, the series followed the contemptuous life of the 18th-century highwayman, known in York, England, as a thief, poacher and killer but whose exploits have been widely romanticized in modern culture.
    Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • His proud display of his mug shot is just the latest example of his disregard for political norms.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 20 Feb. 2025
  • As proud Illinoisans, we were honored to showcase to our Washington colleagues what Midwest sensibility can achieve, and our visits to Project HOOD and Pacific Garden served as a reminder to us all how our civic duty affects real individuals and families.
    Danny K. Davis, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This is the trapped subject, the voice crying out in the wilderness, seeking a response from the Everything but getting only the scornful bounce-back of itself.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2025
  • With the scornful wave spreading across social media, Marvel waded in to stem the tide.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Packer, several surefire ways to ensure success start here: Be arrogant!
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Feb. 2025
  • In 1254, King Edward I and Queen Eleanor of Castile were married at a very young age, and although Edward had a reputation for being arrogant and quarrelsome, the pair eventually fell deeply in love.
    Gulnaz Khan, AFAR Media, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The positive media coverage of Thomas was the insulting cherry on top of the situation for Estabrook.
    Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 12 Feb. 2025
  • The crude and insulting attacks Democratic lawmakers have leveled at President Donald Trump and Elon Musk threaten to drive away voters who want the party to work with the new president to cut wasteful spending.
    Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • During the exchange, Hamas paraded the coffins and displayed propaganda in a move the UN called abhorrent.
    Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • However, Coleman did him no favors with the abhorrent recruitment.
    Stuart James, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Though Saturday Night excoriates Chase as a haughty frat-adjacent character and the actor’s reputation as being difficult to work with precedes him, an early writer paints a more humble picture.
    Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Looking a little debauched in her fur coat, her Clytemnestra is weary, wary of what her daughter intends, but also wonderfully haughty.
    David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • As the technology behind deepfakes advances, the need to fight their malicious usage has never been greater.
    Rohan Pinto, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Now, Microsoft has identified a resurfaced malware that has returned after years, equipped with new malicious capabilities, including stealing sensitive information such as digital wallets and data from the legitimate Notes app.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disdainful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disdainful. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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