contemptible

adjective

kən-ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl How to pronounce contemptible (audio)
Definition of contemptiblenext
1
as in pitiful
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust the contemptible thieves who stole the Christmas gifts intended for needy children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pathetic
deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy) a contemptible attempt at science fiction by someone with no understanding of the genre

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in vile
not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency the contemptible behavior of the students who took part in the hazing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word contemptible different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of contemptible are despicable, pitiable, scurvy, and sorry. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

When is despicable a more appropriate choice than contemptible?

In some situations, the words despicable and contemptible are roughly equivalent. However, despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

When would pitiable be a good substitute for contemptible?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemptible, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

How are the words scurvy and despicable related as synonyms of contemptible?

Scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

When might sorry be a better fit than contemptible?

The synonyms sorry and contemptible are sometimes interchangeable, but sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

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 contemptible Most people in the anglosphere don’t follow this region, and those who do get their opinions from a small number of people with a contemptible worldview. — Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 8 Apr. 2026 Your death was preventable, unjust, tragic, and contemptible; utterly contemptible. — Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026 The death of Pope Francis, sadly, has not escaped the attention of these truly contemptible criminals. — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 At the time, some of LeBron’s critics saw this as contemptible. — Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contemptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemptible
  1. pitiful
  2. pathetic
  3. vile
  4. lame
  5. nasty
  6. cheap
  7. dirty
  8. wretched
Adjective
  • Completing the hat trick in pitiful style, Taking on the World was shot on a shoestring budget, helmed by the man behind Highlander III, and forced to rely on stock footage of real-life footballers.
    — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Given the national team’s pitiful demise at the Oval, with New Zealand completing victory on the fifth morning, Ben Stokes’ revival in absentia feels like the only consolation from a miserable week.
    — Hector Vickers, New York Times, 21 June 2026
Definition of pitiful
Adjective
  • Billboards along Southern California freeways have broadcast the Angels’ desperate attempts to draw in fans via pathetic promotions.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The outfield production continues to be a concern, and the overall offensive production is pathetic.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of pathetic
Adjective
  • Disgusted that any adult would ever consider exploiting a child in such a vile and predatory way.
    — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • His tenure came to an end when video surfaced of a drunken Galliano berating other customers at a Paris bar with vile antisemitic insults.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of vile
Adjective
  • Post-election powers Keisha Lance Bottoms has a message for Republicans who might be tempted to limit her powers in a lame-duck special session if the Democrat wins the race for governor in November.
    — Adam Beam, AJC.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • President John Adams, after losing his 1800 reëlection bid, used his lame-duck period to fill the judiciary with sympathizers.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of lame
Adjective
  • Fatu hit a nasty flying Samoan Spike on D’Angelo and pinned him.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Unglazed Ceramic And Stoneware A beautiful stoneware or ceramic dish can leave nasty scratches on your stovetop’s surface.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of nasty
Adjective
  • This is similar to what cruise lines do when moving ships between itineraries, often offering trips at a cheaper cost than traditional voyages.
    — Elliott Harrell, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Because they must be built out, rather than up, hyperscalers typically go to suburban or rural areas with relatively cheap land.
    — Greta Reich, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of cheap
Adjective
  • The dogs, according to the charges, had dirty water and their fur was stained with urine and feces.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Fourth, the handle needed to be patterned for a secure grip even in dirty, wet conditions, so checkering or deep ribbing was added to the alloy metal.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of dirty
Adjective
  • One of college football’s ugliest offseasons of wretched headlines is nearly over.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
  • But this was ultimately a positive season for United, after their wretched end to the previous season under Ralf Rangnick.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of wretched

Browse Nearby Words

contempt
contemptible
contemptibly
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Cite this Entry

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

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