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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

From the front, 108 windows that might remind you of Austin Powers look down on you.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2025

Archie’s inclination is to look down on everyone else; Laszlo’s first reaction is always curiosity.

From Salon • Nov. 11, 2024

Many have outer walls that look down on the central area, suggesting that they were not used for defense.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann