Definitions

spurn

[spurn] / spɜrn /

VERB

turn away; ignore

Synonyms

STRONGEST

despise disdain dismiss disregard flout rebuff refuse reject repudiate scorn snub turn down

STRONG

air contemn cut decline disapprove drop dump flush nix reprobate repulse scoff slight sneer

WEAK

cold-shoulder give the cold shoulder hold in contempt look down on not hear of pass by sneeze at steer clear turn nose up at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

OK accept admire allow approve esteem include like love respect sanction welcome

STRONG

ascend compliment praise rise

WEAK

embrace want

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.

Rather, they are seizing employment opportunities that others spurn.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Neither country - nor the rest of Asean - could afford to spurn Trump's request for this ceremony.

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2025

With surprising speed, however, this country’s leaders came to spurn McKinley’s embrace of a colonial empire with its costly, complicated occupation of overseas territories.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2025

Florida State: You’ll find the Seminoles closer to the top here than in other post-spring forecasts, largely because of our faith in coach Mike Norvell to turn the playoff spurn into seasonlong emotional propulsion.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2024

“I will answer for it, that mine thinks herself full as clever, and would spurn any body’s assistance.”

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Vocabulary lists containing spurn

Dissed List: Breakup Words for Valentine's Day

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Grade 11, List 4

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"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" by Patrick Henry (1775)

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