scornful

[ skawrn-fuhl ]

adjective

1. full of scorn; derisive; contemptuous,

   He smiled in a scornful way.

Other Words From

• scorn·ful·ly adverb
• scorn·ful·ness noun
• un·scorn·ful adjective
• un·scorn·ful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scornful¹

A Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; scorn, -ful

Example Sentences

The politicians, socialites, and Catholic leaders present at the dinner didn’t take the joke well, but their groans weren’t nearly as scornful as the former First Lady’s reaction.

From Salon

At other times, Trump was more animated, whispering to his legal team and reacting to the proceedings with scornful expressions.

From Salon

Women she spoke with were “scornful” of her approach.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s scornful about John Ray, the experienced financial cleanup artist brought into FTX as its post-bankruptcy CEO to untangle the mess and find whatever assets still exist to pay back customers and creditors.

From Los Angeles Times

Doctors are generally held in high regard today, but Romans of the first century were skeptical, even scornful, of medical practitioners, many of whom ministered to ailments they did not understand.

From New York Times

Related Words

• derisive
• mocking
• rude
• sneering