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

Trump has repeatedly expressed disdain for Europe and shown little interest in challenging Putin. — Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2026 This disdain should’ve landed on the doorstep of the office of the general manager. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Verb

The title character disdains the common folk, and the play’s complicated political discussion and harsh, jagged poetry aren’t what most picnicking playgoers are after. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Raised in a household of voracious readers in suburban Philadelphia, her father a professor of Spanish at the University of Pennsylvania and her mother having worked for magazines, Sebold disdained the university’s frat culture. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for disdain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain

Noun

Lawmakers on the committee are saying he could be held in contempt.

— Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
Being held in contempt opens up a witness to criminal prosecution.

— Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of contempt

Verb

Welcome to a Monday Nightcaps — the one where a Texas high school football team learns the hard way not to disrespect the great state of Florida.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of disrespect

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

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

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

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“Disdain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disdain. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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