look down on

VERB

hold in contempt

Synonyms

WEAK

abhor contemn despise disdain scorn scout sneer spurn turn nose up at

Antonyms

WEAK

approve honor laud look up to praise

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.

Why do wealthy retirees look down on others?

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

"I'm not claiming that everyone should abandon marriage or look down on married people in any way," Seen says.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

The Romans look down on him, even as he does their bidding.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2025

Do you look down on huge planes and boats and Beyoncé birthday parties?

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

I’ve got to guard against the natural tendency to look down on them now that I have surpassed them.

From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes