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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 Europeans find Donald Trump alien and contemptible and a man unsuited for the U.S. presidency. David Goodart, Foreign Affairs, 15 Aug. 2017 It’s turned out very badly and the right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu is contemptible. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024 Be open-minded and recognize that even a campaign opponent — even the contemptible Trump — can occasionally be onto something worthwhile. George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2024 Alwyn does some of his best work, making Harry contemptible without veering into caricature. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for contemptible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contemptible
Adjective
  • But the modern Democratic Party, rudderless and confused and reeling from a pitiful collective performance during Tuesday evening's presidential joint address to Congress, now confronts a fork in the road that's no joke.
    Newsweek, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
  • In the director’s world, fathers are pitiful providers, mothers are blandly cheerful (while quietly suffering enormously), and the kids see far more than their parents do.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Read more The pathetic, slow-motion downfall of Barack Obama Houseguests and fish begin to smell after three days, as the saying goes.
    Aris Folley, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Regression was fair to expect, but man did the Canucks just look offensively pathetic most of the year.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The imitation Punisher logo on Cole’s bullet was no act of flattery, but the most vile of insults.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Fans, some of them little kids parroting what their parents were saying, called him vile names.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.
    Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 June 2021
  • My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.
    Tim Neville, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
  • Switching out a pump in a pit filled with raw sewage is nasty work.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The bear is back and things may stay nasty for the rest of 2025.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Their tech lets clothing companies show off a wide variety of sizes and styles—and for a whole lot cheaper.
    Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • In Flacco and Pickett, the Browns have two veteran backups on cheap contracts signed only for 2025.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Listen to this article Surrounded by coal miners, President Donald Trump signed an executive order vowing to roll back his predecessor’s policies limiting lung-damaging, climate-changing pollution from power plants that burn the planet’s dirtiest source of energy.
    Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The floors are getting dirty and workers have no access to vacuums or mops.
    Lisa Song, ProPublica, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The competition offers not only the last chance to salvage silverware from a wretched season but is also now vital to their hopes of playing in Europe again next season — and their finances.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Tell me the wretched truth about America, because that speaks to our greatness.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contemptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemptible. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contemptible

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