contemptuous
Full of derision
Contemptuous describes an attitude of scorn or disdain toward something considered worthless or beneath consideration.
A contemptuous glance conveys that the person being looked at doesn't merit respect.
She was contemptuous of his excuses.
The word implies active dismissal rather than mere indifference—contempt made visible.
Arrogantly contemptuous of others
- condescendingSuperior and dismissive manner
- patronizingTreating someone as inferior
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
- haughtyDisdainfully proud
snobbish · overbearing · pompous · lordly · high-handed · lofty · self-important · domineering
Showing open contempt
- cavalierDismissively unconcerned
- indifferentLacking interest or concern
- uncaringLacking emotional concern
- unimpressedFailing to find remarkable
disregarding · slighting · snubbing · ignoring · brushing off · cold · aloof · uninterested
Expressing scorn facially
- derisiveExpressing contemptuous ridicule
- scoffingMocking with contempt
- jeeringVocal public mockery
- tauntingInsulting to provoke
sardonic · snide · sarcastic · scathing · ridiculing · caustic · acerbic · biting
Showing lack of regard
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
- degradingLowering in worth
- demeaningCausing loss of respect
- humiliatingCausing painful embarrassment
insolent · rude · abusive · reviling · defamatory · pejorative · derogatory · vituperative
supercilious
Arrogantly contemptuous of others
- condescendingSuperior and dismissive manner
- patronizingTreating someone as inferior
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
haughty · snobbish · overbearing · pompous · lordly · high-handed · lofty · self-important · domineering · uppity
disdainful
Showing open contempt
- cavalierDismissively unconcerned
- indifferentLacking interest or concern
- uncaringLacking emotional concern
unimpressed · disregarding · slighting · snubbing · ignoring · brushing off · cold · aloof · uninterested · apathetic
sneering
Expressing scorn facially
taunting · sardonic · snide · sarcastic · scathing · ridiculing · caustic · acerbic · biting · cutting
disrespectful
Showing lack of regard
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
- degradingLowering in worth
- demeaningCausing loss of respect
humiliating · insolent · rude · abusive · reviling · defamatory · pejorative · derogatory · vituperative · opprobrious
- arrogancearrogant, conceited, pompous, vain, haughty
- condescendingpatronizing, disdainful, dismissive, belittling, demeaning
- hatredhate, hateful, abhor, abhorrence, detest
- negative tonesangry, bitter, cynical, hostile, resentful
- tones of voicedismissive, patronizing, condescending, mocking, sneering
- meanmean, cruel, unkind, nasty, hurtful
contemptuousadmiring
Feeling respect and approval
respectful · reverential · appreciative · approving · venerating
contemptuousdeferential
Showing humble submission
humble · respectful · courteous · polite · gracious