Definitions

contemptuous

[kuhn-temp-choo-uhs] / kənˈtɛmp tʃu əs /

ADJECTIVE

arrogant, insolent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

condescending derisive disdainful disrespectful haughty insulting scornful

WEAK

audacious bold cavalier cheeky cold-shoulder contumelious cool derisory dog it hard hard-nosed high-and-mighty high-hat on high horse opprobrious sardonic sneering snippy snobbish snooty snotty supercilious temperamental uppity upstage

Antonyms

STRONGEST

flattering humble praising respectful

WEAK

polite respected shy

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

He is contemptuous of the Wall Street “strategists” who are forever bullish, no matter what the facts might be.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

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

From Barron's • Dec. 18, 2025

The bond between Addams family members, however, is more deeply explored and their dysfunctional interactions add a new layer of contemptuous humor to the mix.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2025

While the lady at the needle kept up a little running, contemptuous comment:

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

Vocabulary lists containing contemptuous

To Kill a Mockingbird

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Grade 10, List 2

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The Pearl

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