Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

scorn

[skawrn] / skɔrn /
NOUN
contempt toward something
Synonyms
STRONGEST
derision disdain mockery ridicule sarcasm sneer
STRONG
contemptuousness contumely despisal despite disparagement disregard jeering scoffing slight sport taunting teasing
WEAK
despisement scornfulness
Antonyms
STRONGEST
flattery praise respect
STRONG
compliment
WEAK
approval delight pleasure
VERB
hold in contempt; look down on
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abhor defy deride despise disdain disregard flout hate ignore mock refute reject repudiate ridicule shun spurn taunt
STRONG
avoid cold-shoulder confute contemn gibe refuse renounce slight sneer trash
WEAK
be above consider beneath one make fun of put down run down scoff at turn back on turn nose up at
Antonyms
STRONGEST
accept admire approve cherish compliment esteem flatter like love note pay attention praise ratify regard respect sanction
STRONG
allow

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.

Normally, others misfortune isn’t something I pile on, but oh, did that woman earn some scorn.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

It was a far cry from the scorn and threats reserved for Europe by its traditional ally the United States at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week.

From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026

“To Americans who are watching this right now, and I don’t know, maybe you’re watching it with curiosity, bewilderment, horror, scorn or sympathy,” he said.

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2026

I would scorn the factory recommended oil-change interval of 6,000 miles—Fie!

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

And it could have been...I thought it was going to be the best thing....And in the end it was just scorn and hate.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman

Vocabulary lists containing scorn

"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act I

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Declaration of the Rights of Woman (1791)

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 7

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!