with scorn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with scorn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or attitude that is filled with contempt or disdain towards someone or something. Example: "She looked at him with scorn after he made that insensitive comment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But EU critics reacted with scorn.

The Guardian

He was greeted with scorn.

The New York Times

He looked at me with scorn.

The New York Times

"Start anew? he said with scorn.

The New York Times - Books

Ruth looks at me with scorn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Names are named, often etched with scorn.

The Guardian - Sport

Not all her readers reacted with scorn.

The Guardian - Books

Tuesday's ruling was met with scorn by the victims' families.

The New York Times

Those historical reasons were met with scorn by the judge.

The New York Times

With scorn for Mr. Diarra, the coup leader, Capt.

The New York Times

That was a tradition that Mr. Giuliani treated with scorn.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with scorn", ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for the contempt. The object or action being scorned should be evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "with scorn" in situations that warrant milder disapproval. The phrase carries a strong negative connotation and is best reserved for contexts where genuine contempt is felt.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase. "With scorn" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, describing how an action is performed. Ludwig examples show it often follows verbs like 'reacted', 'looked', or 'responded', indicating the manner in which the action was carried out. It typically expresses a negative sentiment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with scorn" is a common and grammatically correct way to express contempt or disdain. As Ludwig highlights, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, indicating its acceptability in neutral reporting, though carrying a negative sentiment. While interchangeable with alternatives like "with disdain" or "with contempt", it's important to consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey and use the phrase appropriately to avoid sounding overly harsh. It is often used to describe reactions, responses, or looks, adding a layer of negative judgment to the action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with contempt

Focuses more directly on the feeling of deep disapproval.

with disdain

Emphasizes a feeling of superiority and looking down upon something.

with derision

Highlights mockery and ridicule in the expression.

with contemptuousness

A more formal and intensified version of "with contempt".

scornfully

An adverbial form that directly describes the manner of the action.

with cynicism

Suggests a distrustful and pessimistic outlook.

with mockery

Focuses on the act of ridiculing or making fun of something.

with incredulity

Highlights disbelief mixed with scorn.

with resentment

Suggests a feeling of bitterness and indignation.

with indignation

Emphasizes righteous anger and disapproval.

FAQs

How can I use "with scorn" in a sentence?

Use "with scorn" to describe how someone expresses their contempt or disdain for something. For example, "She rejected his proposal with scorn".

What are some alternatives to using "with scorn"?

You can use alternatives such as "with disdain", "with contempt", or "scornfully" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "with scorn" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "with scorn" can sound harsh. Consider the tone and audience; alternatives like "with disapproval" may be more suitable for formal contexts.

What's the difference between "with scorn" and "with sarcasm"?

"With scorn" indicates open contempt, while "with sarcasm" implies using irony to mock or convey contempt. Sarcasm is often indirect, whereas scorn is more direct and overt.