Find Synonyms

contempt Synonyms

Another word for contempt

Choosing another word for contempt depends on context, so the 12 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

The feeling or attitude that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving of scorn.

Usage Example

"She looked at the dishonest politician with undisguised scorn."

Strongest
scorn
disdain
Strong
derision
disrespect
despising
opprobrium
Weak
contumely

• noun (Context 2)

Willful disregard or open disrespect for things that should be taken seriously, such as rules, danger, or convention.

Usage Example

"The company showed a blatant disregard for environmental regulations."

Strongest
disregard
Strong
disrespect
defiance
neglect

• noun (Context 3)

The legal offense of being disobedient to or disrespectful of a court of law and its officers, or of a legislative body.

Usage Example

"The judge warned the disruptive witness that he would be held in contumacy of court."

Strong
contumacy
defiance
insubordination

Opposites of contempt

The opposite of contempt shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

respect
esteem
reverence
compliance
admiration
regard
obedience
deference
See all opposites of contempt

• Nearby Words

contemporaneously
contemporarily
contemporary
contempt
contemptible
contemptibly
contemptuous

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Contempt. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/contempt
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