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

as in contempt

open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect showing undisguised disdain for the other employees

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disdain

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈdān

as in to disrespect

to show contempt for disdained the deserter as a coward

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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

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 disdain

Noun

But today, Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly 2 to 1 in the state, and the current White House occupant shares a mutual disdain with the vast majority of Golden State voters. — Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 Previous reader questions have been about worries for a daughter dating someone much older, finding hope after being cheated on and whether a boyfriend’s disdain for dogs is a dealbreaker. — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Verb

Although the Constitution requires congressional involvement in war-making, Trump like Nixon disdained that mandate with terrible consequences. — Elizabeth Holtzman, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026 Most telling is how openly Stassi disdains the idea of therapy, even insisting to the horror of pretty much everyone else onscreen that forcing hard conversations on reality TV is her therapy. — Caroline Framke, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disdain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain

Noun

Yaxley-Lennon previously had been jailed for assault, mortgage fraud and contempt of court.

— Pan Pylas, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Yaxley-Lennon has previously been jailed for assault, mortgage fraud and contempt of court.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of contempt

Verb

Schofield said the Sussexes can't control how the palace will react, particularly if people within the palace believe the couple's plans disrespect the late queen.

— Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
To Cardenas, and other members of her community, the mural disrespected both Vietnamese and Filipino cultures.

— Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of disrespect

Noun

The rioters waved the Confederate flag, a clear symbol of racist hatred.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
At least one person was killed and four people were injured in a shooting near Paris that may have been motivated by Islamophobic hatred, French officials say.

— Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of hatred

Verb

The workshop model—love it or hate it—puts a writer and their work in front of the audience of their peers; if those peers are both generous and honest in their reading and commentary, the writer might benefit from their insights.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
The suspect hated Indians, but his hate did not discriminate.

— Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of hate

Verb

In fact, many voters in his Southern Illinois district despise him.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
For Republicans, well, there’s not much downside at all, except for those that truly despise green power or, perhaps wisely, fear increasing federal authority over local permitting matters.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of despise

Verb

Loneliness looms as a threat to all genders, but men, who are lauded for gruff stoicism and scorned for vulnerability, can be especially ill-equipped to navigate atomization.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Murkowski is admired by independents and some Democrats in Alaska, while being largely scorned by the MAGA right.

— Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of scorn

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disdain

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“Disdain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disdain. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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