SCORN Synonyms: 151 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'scorn' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scorn are contemn , despise , and disdain . While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt. // scorns the very thought of retirement

Q: When might 'contemn' be a better fit than 'scorn'?

The words contemn and scorn can be used in similar contexts, but 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: Where would 'despise' be a reasonable alternative to 'scorn'?

The synonyms despise and scorn are sometimes interchangeable, but despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing. // despises cowards

Q: When is 'disdain' a more appropriate choice than 'scorn'?

In some situations, the words disdain and scorn are roughly equivalent. However, disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy. // disdained popular music

scorn 1 of 2

noun

ˈskȯrn

Definition of scorn next

as in contempt

open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect has nothing but scorn for newfangled ideas of any kind

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scorn

2 of 2

verb

ˈskȯrn

as in to disdain

to show contempt for scorned the religious traditions of their ancestors

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as in to despise

to ignore in a disrespectful manner she scorned the advice of her ophthalmologist and had the laser eye surgery anyway

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb scorn differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scorn are contemn, despise, and disdain. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

scorns the very thought of retirement

When might contemn be a better fit than scorn?

The words contemn and scorn can be used in similar contexts, but contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

Where would despise be a reasonable alternative to scorn?

The synonyms despise and scorn are sometimes interchangeable, but despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

despises cowards

When is disdain a more appropriate choice than scorn?

In some situations, the words disdain and scorn are roughly equivalent. However, disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of scorn

Noun

The speculation surrounding Mangione unleashed online scorn at UnitedHealthcare and U.S. health insurance industry that serves as gatekeeper to the nation's $4.5 trillion health care system. —

Melissa Cruz, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2024 Bassitt did go on to excuse Daulton Varsho’s defence from scorn. —

Kaitlyn McGrath, The Athletic, 30 July 2024

Verb

The Duchess, who has been the subject of much public and media scorn in the UK, made her return to social media public on New Year’s Day with a short black and white video shot by none other than Prince Harry himself. —

Sophia A. Nelson, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025 She would have been equally scorned by the lower tier for doing the same thing to them. —

Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scorn

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scorn

Noun

Last fall, Judge Laura Taylor Swain found the city in contempt of a range of court orders and directed the parties to file proposals for an independent receiver.

— Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2025
Mueller’s predecessor, Pritzker appointee Marc Smith, was held in contempt of court a number of times for violating court orders by failing to find children appropriate placements in a timely manner, though all or most of those orders were later vacated.

— Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025