Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for contemptible. Search instead for most contemptible/4.
Definitions

contemptible

[kuhn-temp-tuh-buhl] / kənˈtɛmp tə bəl /
ADJECTIVE
despicable, shameful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abhorrent abominable disgusting hateful odious vile worthless
WEAK
abject bad base beggarly cheap crass currish degenerate despisable detestable dirty heel ignoble ignominious inferior low low-down lowest mean outcast paltry pitiable pitiful poor sad scummy scurvy shabby sordid sorry swinish unworthy wretched
Antonyms
STRONGEST
delightful kind likeable lovable nice pleasant pleasing
WEAK
admirable admired good honorable loved respectable worthy

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.

The former Prince Andrew is a contemptible figure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Don’t get me wrong: J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI’s legendary founding director, would view Patel as a contemptible weakling.

From Salon • Oct. 19, 2025

Puska told "lies and mistruths, some of which I say are foul and contemptible in their nature", she continued.

From BBC • Nov. 9, 2023

If there’s anything more contemptible than being a villain, it’s being an accomplice — less guilty than the former, but also less compelling, confident and strong.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 9, 2023

The fear and despair they had felt a moment earlier were drowned in their rage against this vile, contemptible act.

From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.