scornful

adjective

scorn·​ful ˈskȯrn-fəl How to pronounce scornful (audio)
Synonyms of scornful
: full of scorn : contemptuous
scornfully
ˈskȯrn-fə-lē How to pronounce scornful (audio)
adverb
scornfulness noun

Synonyms of scornful

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Examples of scornful in a Sentence

He's scornful of anyone who disagrees with his political beliefs. the actress gave the paparazzi a scornful glare before breezing on by them
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His medium was the linocut print—clean, strong, and scornful of embellishment. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 16 Feb. 2026 Not even the pork choppers were as arrogant and scornful of voting rights as the current mob. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026 Twelve years ago, while serving as lieutenant governor, Newsom was scornful. — Dan Walters, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026 Tribunals have been appointed, and Coriolanus’ scornful elitism strikes them as too heavy a price for his military protection. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for scornful

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scornful was in the 14th century

Rhymes for scornful

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Browse Nearby Words

scorner
scornful
scorodite
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Cite this Entry

“Scornful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scornful. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scornful

adjective
scorn·​ful ˈskȯrn-fəl How to pronounce scornful (audio)
: feeling or showing scorn
scornfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce scornful (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on scornful

Nglish: Translation of scornful for Spanish Speakers

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