contemptuous

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Before long, the band was playing in New York, rubbing shoulders with Patti Smith, Talking Heads and Blondie at CBGBs and shaking punks out of their contemptuous indifference.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

The novel is narrated by Karishma’s embittered son Mohit decades after the events, and his attitude toward most of the family is cynical and contemptuous.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

She barely appears alongside her husband, and when she does, her body language often reads as reluctant at best, contemptuous at worst.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2026

Ukrainian analysts said the government in Kyiv deemed the decision "contemptuous".

From Barron's • Dec. 18, 2025

“I go to put the groceries in the car. I leave Daisy on the ride. I turn around and he”—she pointed at Dill, a contemptuous curl in her lip—“is right there and Daisy’s crying.”

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner