contemn

verb

kən-ˈtem How to pronounce contemn (audio)
Definition of contemnnext
as in to disdain
to show contempt for arrogant critics who contemn the general public's taste in art

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contemn differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contemn are despise, disdain, and scorn. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

When is despise a more appropriate choice than contemn?

While the synonyms despise and contemn are close in meaning, despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

despises cowards

When can disdain be used instead of contemn?

The words disdain and contemn can be used in similar contexts, but disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

When might scorn be a better fit than contemn?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemn, 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 contemn Consequently, the Sadrists were contemned and discounted by Iraq’s liberal elite who form the core of the ICP. — Benedict Robin, Washington Post, 7 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemn
  1. disdain
  2. hate
  3. disrespect
  4. despise
  5. scorn
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
Definition of disdain
Verb
  • The judges love Naheim’s gown but hate his jacket, which makes Law feel claustrophobic.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Whether fans love it or hate it, the pairing has generated plenty of conversation ahead of the NFL season and has given Steelers Nation an unexpected new mascot to debate.
    — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of hate
Verb
  • Oakley and Dolan have long feuded, with Oakley accusing Dolan of treating him less favorably than other Knicks legends, including by not providing him complimentary tickets and allegedly disrespecting him in other ways.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Unanswered emails can make people feel ignored or disrespected, or jump to worrying or envisioning worst-case scenarios, such as being on the brink of getting laid off or fired.
    — Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of disrespect
Verb
  • Hate him, despise him, be jealous of his wealth, but support his efforts to destroy Iran and hopefully end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The zombies despise water and are connected to a lab experiment that involves chimps (the special effects get a bit iffy there).
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of despise
Verb
  • Yes, the parent and teacher-scorned Roblox took Tung Tung Sahur down for a spell, giving Mementum a brief win.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The target of the anger and scorn in all the insulting posters, slogans, and graffiti of the protest zone was not the education minister but Modi himself.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of scorn

Browse Nearby Words

contaminations
contemn
contemned
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Cite this Entry

“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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