scorn
10 synonyms and 6 antonyms for scorn, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To feel or show strong contempt for someone or something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To feel or show strong contempt for someone or something.
“He scorned the offer, calling it an insult.”
Opposites
How to use scorn
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pour scorn on
treat with scorn
scorn an offer
Etymology
From Old French escharnir, ultimately traced to a Germanic root connected to mockery or ridicule; possibly related to a separate root meaning "to shear" or "cut."
Full origin of scorn →Frequently asked questions
What does “scorn” mean?
The word “scorn” means to feel or show strong contempt for someone or something. In plain terms, a strong, often visible form of contempt — more intense than mere disapproval.
How do you pronounce “scorn”?
“Scorn” is pronounced skawn (/skɔɹn/ in IPA).
How do you use “scorn” in a sentence?
Here is “scorn” used in a sentence: “He scorned the offer, calling it an insult.”
What part of speech is “scorn”?
Depending on how it is used, “scorn” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “scorn” come from?
The word “scorn” comes from Old French. From Old French escharnir, ultimately traced to a Germanic root connected to mockery or ridicule; possibly related to a separate root meaning "to shear" or "cut.".
Is “scorn” a common word?
“Scorn” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “scorn” have?
“Scorn” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to feel or show strong contempt for someone or something.
