disdainful
Full of contempt
Disdainful describes an attitude of contempt or scorn toward something considered beneath one's dignity or unworthy of respect.
A disdainful glance conveys superiority; a disdainful tone suggests the speaker finds the subject undeserving of serious attention.
The word implies looking down from a position of assumed superiority: She was disdainful of their small-town concerns.
Showing open contempt
- sneeringExpressing scorn facially
- derisiveExpressing contemptuous ridicule
- mockingScornfully imitating or ridiculing
- disparagingExpressing negative judgment
dismissive · scathing · belittling · demeaning · deprecating · jeering · taunting · ridiculing
Excessively high self-regard
- superciliousArrogantly contemptuous of others
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
- pompousAffectedly grand in manner
- snobbishCondescending toward perceived inferiors
condescending · patronizing · lordly · overbearing · high-handed · self-important · snooty · lofty
Apart or uninvolved
- coldLow temperature state
- distantFar away or aloof
- remoteDistant or controller
- standoffishUnfriendly in manner
reserved · unapproachable · withdrawn · cool · frosty · chilly · frigid · removed
Scornful expression
- smirkPleased, superior smile
- scowlAngry facial expression
- glareFierce stare or brightness
- eyerollDismissive facial gesture
grimace · raised eyebrow · side-eye · cold stare · withering look · turned-up nose
Expressing disapproval or importance
- censoriousSeverely critical in judgment
- disapprovingExpressing unfavorable opinion
- condemningExpressing severe disapproval
- reproachfulShowing blame or disappointment
fault-finding · hypercritical · self-righteous · moralistic · sanctimonious · priggish · preachy · carping
scornful
Showing open contempt
- sneeringExpressing scorn facially
- derisiveExpressing contemptuous ridicule
- mockingScornfully imitating or ridiculing
disparaging · dismissive · scathing · belittling · demeaning · deprecating · jeering · taunting · ridiculing · scoffing
arrogant
Excessively high self-regard
- superciliousArrogantly contemptuous of others
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
- pompousAffectedly grand in manner
snobbish · condescending · patronizing · lordly · overbearing · high-handed · self-important · snooty · lofty · uppity
detached
Apart or uninvolved
standoffish · reserved · unapproachable · withdrawn · cool · frosty · chilly · frigid · removed · unconcerned
sneer
Scornful expression
eyeroll · grimace · raised eyebrow · side-eye · cold stare · withering look · turned-up nose
critical
Expressing disapproval or importance
- censoriousSeverely critical in judgment
- disapprovingExpressing unfavorable opinion
- condemningExpressing severe disapproval
reproachful · fault-finding · hypercritical · self-righteous · moralistic · sanctimonious · priggish · preachy · carping · nitpicking
- arrogancearrogant, conceited, pompous, vain, haughty
- condescendingpatronizing, scornful, dismissive, belittling, demeaning
- hatredhate, hateful, abhor, abhorrence, detest
- tones of voicedismissive, patronizing, condescending, mocking, sneering
- meanmean, cruel, unkind, nasty, hurtful
- disapprovaldisapproval, scowl, disapprove, disapproves, frown
disdainfuladmiring
Feeling respect and approval
respectful · reverent · appreciative · approving · esteeming
disdainfulloving
Feeling deep affection
warm · warmhearted · accepting · welcoming · kindhearted
disdainfulhumble
Unassuming about oneself
deferential · modest · courteous · polite · respectful