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.

For most of the past century, it would have been unthinkable for BYU’s coach to spurn a blueblood like Penn State, with all the in-built advantages it offered in recruiting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

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

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2025

Every chicken breast and milk carton you spurn lowers the demand on industries responsible for egregious environmental harm – and spares countless animal lives from needless suffering.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2024

Portland Public Schools teachers were poised Tuesday to spurn a last-ditch offer from the district, launching a strike starting Wednesday that would shutter all 81 schools.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 1, 2023

He was the first commanding officer to spurn such a meeting.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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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