scorn 1 of 2

scorn

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb scorn differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scorn are contemn, despise, and disdain. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

scorns the very thought of retirement

When might contemn be a better fit than scorn?

The words contemn and scorn can be used in similar contexts, but contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

Where would despise be a reasonable alternative to scorn?

The synonyms despise and scorn are sometimes interchangeable, but despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

despises cowards

When is disdain a more appropriate choice than scorn?

In some situations, the words disdain and scorn are roughly equivalent. However, disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

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 scorn
Noun
A lot of recent productions deserve this scorn—literally. Namwali Serpell, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025 On his first day back on the job, Trump once again singled out California for scorn, thereby burnishing Newsom’s standing within his party. Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
On the other, America’s right flank feeling scorned because its aid – given to defeat a decades-long adversary at no cost of American life – had not been received with enough gratitude. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025 Republicans putting country above politics or compromising with Democrats are scorned and ostracized by fellow Republicans and voted out of office. Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scorn
Noun
  • No one is more familiar than Walker with state government’s contempt for constitutional rights.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025
  • Epic then argued in court that Apple wasn’t complying with the order, and a judge ruled in Epic’s favor in April, holding Apple in civil contempt.
    John Yoon, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • But just because a stock has been quiescent for a while is no reason to disdain it.
    John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Perhaps no other American statesman has ever disdained the role of idealism in foreign policy—the meddling of human-rights activists and democracy crusaders—quite like Kissinger.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • But in public spaces, the Russian Federation and the Soviet Union are roundly despised.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 7 May 2025
  • Raymond abandoned his old mentor but never despised his advice.
    Matthew Karp, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • No more tolerance of hatred, no more mercy for criminals.
    Sarah Beth Hensley, ABC News, 28 May 2025
  • Antisemitism, hatred and terrorism must be stopped, lest our civilization fall into the abyss.
    Diane Gensler, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Makes no sense but Dabo being disrespected isn't new either.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • The trauma of being constantly blamed, ignored, disrespected, or made to question your own worth is just as life-altering.
    Shayla Brown, Essence, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Under President Jair Bolsonaro, the prior government allowed for rapid deforestation in exchange for quick economic gain and disregarded the global push for climate action.
    Justin Worland, Time, 23 May 2025
  • Scientific research must be funded, but integrity matters and UCSD must face real consequences for disregarding the law and failing its students.
    Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • The house was built for folks who, well, clearly hate other folks intruding on their space.
    TJ Macias, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025
  • Diddy, like him or hate him, had a very successful music career.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scorn. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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