Definitions

contemptuous

[kuhn-temp-choo-uhs] / kənˈtɛmp tʃu əs /

ADJECTIVE

arrogant, insolent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

condescending derisive disdainful disrespectful haughty insulting scornful

WEAK

audacious bold cavalier cheeky cold-shoulder contumelious cool derisory dog it hard hard-nosed high-and-mighty high-hat on high horse opprobrious sardonic sneering snippy snobbish snooty snotty supercilious temperamental uppity upstage

Antonyms

STRONGEST

flattering humble praising respectful

WEAK

polite respected shy

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.

His two main characters, infantrymen named Willie and Joe, were bedraggled, unshaven, dirty, tired to the bone, contemptuous of authority—in other words, mirror images of many of the real soldiers fighting that war.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Sara Hershkowitz’s wildly contemptuous Queen adds further soprano glory.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Before long, the band was playing in New York, rubbing shoulders with Patti Smith, Talking Heads and Blondie at CBGBs and shaking punks out of their contemptuous indifference.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Ukrainian analysts said the government in Kyiv deemed the decision "contemptuous".

From Barron's • Dec. 18, 2025

“Stand up when you see a lady, you contemptuous scoundrel.”

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Vocabulary lists containing contemptuous

To Kill a Mockingbird

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Grade 10, List 2

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The Pearl

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