contempt
3 synonyms and 2 antonyms for contempt, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A feeling that someone or something is beneath consideration, worthless or deserving of scorn.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use contempt
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin "contemptus," from "contemnere," to scorn or despise.
Full origin of contempt →Frequently asked questions
What does contempt mean?
Regarding someone or something as worthless or beneath you. It is stronger than dislike — it carries a sense of looking down from above.
What is contempt of court?
A legal offence covering behaviour that defies or obstructs a court: refusing a lawful order, disrupting proceedings, or publishing material that prejudices a case. It can be punished with a fine or imprisonment.