CONTEMPTIBLE Synonyms: 144 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'contemptible' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of contemptible are despicable , pitiable , scurvy , and sorry . While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values. // a contemptible liar

Q: When is 'despicable' a more appropriate choice than 'contemptible'?

In some situations, the words despicable and contemptible are roughly equivalent. However, despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation. // a despicable crime

Q: When would 'pitiable' be a good substitute for 'contemptible'?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemptible , pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity. // a pitiable attempt at tragedy

Q: How are the words 'scurvy' and 'despicable' related as synonyms of 'contemptible'?

Scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust. // a scurvy crew of hangers-on

Q: When might 'sorry' be a better fit than 'contemptible'?

The synonyms sorry and contemptible are sometimes interchangeable, but sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness. // this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

contemptible

adjective

kən-ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl

Definition of contemptible next

as in pitiful

arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust the contemptible thieves who stole the Christmas gifts intended for needy children

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as in pathetic

deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy) a contemptible attempt at science fiction by someone with no understanding of the genre

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as in vile

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency the contemptible behavior of the students who took part in the hazing

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word contemptible different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of contemptible are despicable, pitiable, scurvy, and sorry. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

When is despicable a more appropriate choice than contemptible?

In some situations, the words despicable and contemptible are roughly equivalent. However, despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

When would pitiable be a good substitute for contemptible?

While in some cases nearly identical to contemptible, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

How are the words scurvy and despicable related as synonyms of contemptible?

Scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

When might sorry be a better fit than contemptible?

The synonyms sorry and contemptible are sometimes interchangeable, but sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

Examples of contemptible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The contemptible mistreatment of Marie Yovanovitch—the ambassador to Ukraine who was dismissed for getting in the way of the president’s scheme to solicit foreign interference in U.S. elections—is just the latest example of President Donald Trump’s dangerous brand of diplomatic malpractice. —

William J. Burns, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2019 The administration’s omnibus rule is a contemptible abuse of executive power. —

Madeleine Kearns, National Review, 19 Apr. 2024 DeSantis hasn’t yet paid the price for his contemptible behavior. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2024 Ebenezer Scrooge has lived a contemptible life, but his selfishness hides that reality from him. —

Peter J. Travers, National Review, 30 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for contemptible

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contemptible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Contemptible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contemptible. Accessed 18 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 7 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of contemptible

adjective

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Examples of contemptible in a Sentence

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