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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

disdain

2 of 2

verb

dis-ˈdān

as in to disrespect

to show contempt for disdained the deserter as a coward

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 Hazle Township residents’ disdain for the $10,000 incentive is just the tip of the iceberg, Cook said. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 4 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

According to the court docket, a contempt hearing was scheduled for November.

— Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Taylor was later found in willful contempt for violating their divorce terms and ordered to pay $70,000 to cover Shumpert’s legal fees.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 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 immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
Underneath that façade was a sociopathic white supremacist neo-Nazi filled with hatred, fantasizing about mass murder nearly every day.

— Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of hatred

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

There’s relief in his escape but the path has left him feeling scorned, too.

— Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026
The investors among this small and scorned generation, now aged 45-61, are watching markets play out on their screens and constantly see the plot parallels with past cycles.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of scorn

Browse Nearby Words

discussions

disdain

disdained

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Disdain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disdain. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of disdain

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

vocation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes