contemn

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contemn differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contemn are despise, disdain, and scorn. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

When is despise a more appropriate choice than contemn?

While the synonyms despise and contemn are close in meaning, despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

despises cowards

When can disdain be used instead of contemn?

The words disdain and contemn can be used in similar contexts, but disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

When might scorn be a better fit than contemn?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemn, 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 contemn Consequently, the Sadrists were contemned and discounted by Iraq’s liberal elite who form the core of the ICP. Benedict Robin, Washington Post, 7 June 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemn
Verb
  • The Republicans who disdained him and tried to terminate his leadership have made his point by leaving the party and becoming Democrats (or at least voting for Democrats).
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2025
  • For his second presidential term, Donald Trump stacked his health team with men who disdain the medical consensus.
    Ezekiel J. Emanuel, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Resume details aside, while one hates to hitch an actress’s castability to something as random and mutable as her appearance, Pidgeon also has exactly the pensive, porcelain-skinned, vaguely patrician beauty necessary to make a credible CBK.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2025
  • To win the election, that candidate will have to capture both the far left and the larger bloc of the slightly more moderate left — voters who see themselves as very liberal but also hate feeling unsafe on the streets and subways.
    Bradley Tusk, New York Daily News, 21 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
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
  • Hamilton despised slavery and fought to end it — at least, that’s what most history books say.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 29 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
Verb
  • Comments David disses Survivor winners from the past.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Before that, Yeezy dissed Virgil in February, calling him out alongside Drake in yet another X/Twitter rant.
    Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemn. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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