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
Some strident Trump supporters did greet his elevation with scorn. Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 22 May 2025 In a world rattled by President Trump’s tariffs and his scorn for Western allies, Mr. Hegseth confirmed that the Indo-Pacific remains a rare exception — a region where the United States favors continuity in security alliances more than disruption. Damien Cave, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Verb
The novel brims with feeling for these figures, who, though scorned by society, belong to it nonetheless. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 Presumably a runaway, Carol’s disappearance earned her family scorn and erasure. Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for scorn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scorn
Noun
  • This containment allows partners to express anger, frustration or hurt without slipping into destructive patterns like contempt, stonewalling or emotional withdrawal.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Rather, state law says they can be held in contempt of court or sued by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Isn’t the point that Texans, Floridians and Tennesseans disdain big government, and by extension, would like to control it more?
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • The reckoning that followed the murder of George Floyd has given way to a backlash and a president who disdains efforts at equality, complains of anti-white prejudice and purges powerful Black men and women in the name of a mythical colorblind society.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • On state television, tightly controlled by the Kremlin, Washington’s U-turn on providing weapons to Ukraine has been roundly slated, with President Trump being compared to his presidential predecessor, widely despised in Russia.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
  • What Gauguin despised was the misapplication of religion, not religion itself.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • There’s a great tradition in sports of being driven by a fear, or a hatred, of that feeling.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
  • She’s been feeling so much hatred, so much anger, so much sadness, so much disappointment these last few episodes.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • As the moon clashes with Saturn, the sense that you’ve been disrespected eats at you.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 9 July 2025
  • Ramsey reportedly was routinely late for team practices and openly disrespected McDaniel, Grier and former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in front of teammates.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • And if the expansionists prevail, the customer is being disregarded at alarming levels here.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Tariffs are raising costs while public discourse increasingly disregards science itself.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Bullies hate that because kindness takes their power away.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • The premise is that America is caught in a bind between a political left that’s too afraid of growth and a political right that hates government investment and involvement.
    Scott Peters, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scorn. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on scorn

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!