disdain 1 of 2

disdain

2 of 2

verb

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
Seen against the backdrop of recent events, Vought’s disdain for the rule-of-law scruples of Federalist Society legal thinkers seems entirely in line with Trump’s recent post suggesting a federal judge shouldn’t have authority over his administration. Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 20 Mar. 2025 To fully appreciate President Trump's mesmerizing control over Republicans, consider their scant public dissent over ideas many of them privately disdain: Support for Vladimir Putin. Axios, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
Trump and Vance indeed appear to disdain close alliances, favoring an America First approach to the world. Donald Heflin, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2025 His grandson, King Hussein, the ruler from 1952 to 1999, was additionally disdained as weak for his war losses, and faced assassination attempts and threats of ouster. Ephrat Livni, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disdain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disdain
Noun
  • Violations would be enforceable under New York’s criminal contempt laws, ensuring accountability.
    Eric Gonzalez, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • But the contempt seems to be even louder behind closed doors.
    Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Without them, distrust and disrespect undermine the actions.
    John S. Tobey, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • America elected a president who mocks the disabled; who is a blatant racist; who disrespects women; who denied there was a COVID pandemic as thousands of people died daily, and who openly told the country his plans of becoming a dictator.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In fact, her personal hatred of gripping challenges even served as her Survivor hot take below.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • That ecstatic communal experience is a glorious moment of freedom for oppressed people, most of them living hand-to-mouth in an environment of hatred and exploitation.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The away end hated that decision, feeling that Bergvall was one of the few Spurs players to play with any energy, commitment and an idea of how to move the ball forward.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Sure, people use hats, coats and umbrellas to avoid rain, but that’s not to suggest it’s hated.
    Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Why are all these cases involving the coddling of savages who despise America seem to end up in front of card-carrying fellow travelers like Boasberg and Sorokin?
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
  • These steps may not deter all of Iraq’s leaders from coordinating with Iran; there is a small contingent of elites who truly despise the United States.
    Michael Knights, Foreign Affairs, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The temporary ruling in favor of 19 Democratic state attorneys general was met with scorn over the weekend from the White House and Musk, who called for the judge to be impeached.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 10 Feb. 2025
  • Klay Thompson has already been scorned by his new team.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disdain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disdain. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disdain

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