Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for contemptible

contemptible

[ kuhn-temp-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

  1. deserving of or held in contempt; despicable.

    Synonyms: base, low, abject, mean

    Antonyms: admirable

  2. Obsolete. contemptuous.


contemptible

/ kənˈtɛmptəbəl /

adjective

  1. deserving or worthy of contempt; despicable


Discover More

Derived Forms

  • conˈtemptibly, adverb
  • conˌtemptiˈbility, noun

Discover More

Other Words From

  • con·tempti·bili·ty con·tempti·ble·ness noun
  • con·tempti·bly adverb
  • noncon·tempti·bili·ty noun
  • noncon·tempti·ble adjective
  • noncon·tempti·ble·ness noun
  • noncon·tempti·bly adverb
  • uncon·tempti·bili·ty noun
  • uncon·tempti·ble adjective
  • uncon·tempti·ble·ness noun
  • uncon·tempti·bly adverb

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of contemptible1

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Late Latin contemptibilis, equivalent to contempt ( us ) ( contempt ) + -ibilis -ible

Discover More

Example Sentences

His actions were cruel and vicious—and also squalid and contemptible.

Actions that a writer deems “depressing” and contemptible have not been “justified” by him or his publication.

Brittle egos are bolstered less by what they love about themselves than what they find contemptible in others.

But if you do, bear in mind that ugly and contemptible things lurk beneath its surface.

That of course was contemptible and directly counter to every laudable value this country stands for.

I should be ashamed to show my face at Heaven's gates and say I came from such a contemptible planet.

My hero of yesterday, the hero of the glorious struggle of the People,—how contemptible he has proved himself, how cravenly small!

It is enough if the defendant induces an ill opinion to be held of the plaintiff, or to make him contemptible or ridiculous.

Behold I have made thee small among the nations: thou art exceeding contemptible.

Selby was one who felt more or less of shame at the contemptible part he was expected to play.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


contemptcontempt of Congress