contempt

noun

kən-ˈtem(p)t How to pronounce contempt (audio)
Definition of contemptnext
as in disdain
open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect my undying contempt for people who abuse animals

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 contempt Judge Tony Graf ruled June 26 that some of Ballard's comments did violate the order and found him in civil contempt, but declined to stop the prosecution from pursuing the death penalty. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 26 June 2026 Apple is hoping the Supreme Court will reverse a contempt finding that threatens to block the tech giant from charging high commission fees when developers divert iPhone users to non-Apple payment methods for app purchases. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026 The defense’s contempt motion stemmed from comments prosecutor Christopher Ballard, also a spokesperson for the Utah County Attorney’s Office, made to media outlets this spring about an inconclusive ballistics report mentioned in a defense filing. — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 With an $800 daily fine soon going into effect over her 2024 civil contempt ruling, Fox News alum Catherine Herridge‘s legal team has petitioned for a stay after she was ordered to reveal her sources for her 2017 stories about Yanping Chen. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contempt
  1. disdain
  2. hatred
Noun
  • At this point, the widespread disdain shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 2 July 2026
  • But more than using any specific set of policies as a litmus test, Democratic voters appear drawn to the candidates who most radiate disdain for the status quo.
    — Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Definition of disdain
Noun
  • The rivalry between the neighboring nations stretches back over 100 years on the pitch without ever being one that has slipped into hatred.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Proof that the babies aren’t born with hatred in their bellies and in their blood.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of hatred

Browse Nearby Words

contemporizing
contempt
contemptible
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Cite this Entry

“Contempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contempt. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on contempt

Nglish: Translation of contempt for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contempt

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