CONTEMPT Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

contempt

noun

kən-ˈtem(p)t

Definition of contempt

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

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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 When families of the Lincoln’s sailors started talking with reporters, their complaints were met with contempt from the top. — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 The development followed a separate contempt case involving Steve Bannon. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026 According to the outlet, Talley was coordinating with Fuentes and Spencer to check on Johnson, who was incarcerated on contempt charges. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 As to alleged contempt, the siblings could argue that exploration of a sale of the team should not count as evidence of undermining the 2017 court order. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contempt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contempt

Noun

The public's mounting disdain for the tech sector could prove especially challenging for Anthropic and OpenAI, both valued at nearly $1 trillion and gearing up for potentially historic IPOs.

— Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Ashcroft shares further thoughts about Frank’s disdain for Francis Jr.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of disdain

Noun

His hatred of the Islamic State group appears genuine, and American cooperation with Damascus against the terrorist network will benefit the Syrians who suffered most under its rule.

— Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Yet Christ Jesus consistently refused to let fear, hatred, or sin define his view of anyone’s identity.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of hatred

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“Contempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contempt. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of contempt

noun

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