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

While the singer-songwriter has been vocal about her disdain for generative AI models, her latest argument against it comes after learning hundreds of her own songs have been used for training purposes. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 22 June 2026 Jurors must now decide whether Jonathan Rinderknecht — a 30-year-old Uber driver who had expressed disdain for the wealthy — intentionally set a blaze that grew into the deadly Palisades fire. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026

Verb

Trump disdains traditional chain-of-command bureaucracy, instead hoarding absolute authority as the Sun around which the solar system must revolve. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 25 Mar. 2026 These days, sports gambling is legal in 39 states, accessible on your phone app in 30 and, in dozens of places, actually paying millions in sponsorship deals to the very college programs that disdain this kind of activity by their players. — ABC News, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for disdain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain

Noun

Criminal charges from contempt of Congress referrals are rare.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
One of the joys of Air, down to the breathy purity of its title, is its contempt for design—an easy target, but one for which Kracht has sharpened his blade.

— Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Definition of contempt

Verb

The likely architect of that plot was Lyonel’s own scheming son, Larys, whom Simon openly despised.

— Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
During Season 10, a newly confident Batula — who seemed to despise Cooke from the first minute of the premiere episode — appeared to be poised to launch a triumphant post-divorce arc, free at last from Cooke’s belittlement and verbal abuse.

— Kate Aurthur, Variety, 29 June 2026

Definition of despise

Verb

The finale ended with Carter being hauled off in a van by the family that Beulah scorned when going into business with the Duttons.

— Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026
That sent a chill through a fan base that has been scorned many times by some of the organization’s top players.

— Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of scorn

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“Disdain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disdain. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of disdain

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