Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for contemptuous

contemptuous

[ kuhn-temp-choo-uhs ]

adjective

  1. showing or expressing contempt or disdain; scornful; disrespectful.

    Synonyms: haughty, supercilious, arrogant, insolent, disdainful

    Antonyms: respectful



contemptuous

/ kənˈtɛmptjʊəs /

adjective

  1. whenpredicative, often foll by of showing or feeling contempt; disdainful


Discover More

Derived Forms

  • conˈtemptuously, adverb
  • conˈtemptuousness, noun

Discover More

Other Words From

  • con·temp·tu·ous·ly adverb
  • con·temp·tu·ous·ness noun
  • half-con·temp·tu·ous adjective
  • non·con·temp·tu·ous adjective
  • non·con·temp·tu·ous·ness noun
  • un·con·temp·tu·ous adjective
  • un·con·temp·tu·ous·ness noun

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of contemptuous1

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin contemptu-, stem of contemptus “a slighting” ( contempt ) + -ous

Discover More

Example Sentences

It was a classic case of dividing, contemptuous leadership — in our moment of need.

But, you also just told us that most of us don’t want to be involved in that contemptuous partisan cycle.

The French make contemptuous assessments of the local cuisine.

But then he gave the game away, with a turn of phrase that promptly made its way into headlines and contemptuous write-ups.

Many were elitists who, despite their opposition to tyranny, remained contemptuous of the masses.

With the money came the filth, and the contemptuous lewdness you see in the film are based on actual claims in the book.

You quickly become bored by and contemptuous of everyone, up to the president himself.

He called upon the Order to show their title-deeds, but was met with a contemptuous refusal.

Junot and Ney were openly contemptuous, Regnier hung back, and was three weeks late in his arrangements.

But his lips were hard pressed and his eyes became suddenly contemptuous, then smiling.

They did so, and Crane looked up at the fat hardware man with eyes that were not quite so contemptuous.

At this period Tchaikovskys attitude to his father and his aunts was slightly egotistical and contemptuous.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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


contempt of courtcontemptuously