Synonyms

look down on

Idioms

Also, look down one's nose at. Regard with contempt or condescension, consider oneself superior to. For example, When it comes to baking, Beth is a purist—she looks down on anyone who uses a mix, or Seniors have a way of looking down their noses at juniors. The first expression dates from about 1700, the second from about 1900.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

look down on

“Why would I be ashamed of that?” he asked, adding that he doesn’t look down on immigrants who are now making the same choice.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

The Labour MP for Blyth and Ashington joined fellow MPs railing against those who look down on people because of how they speak, during a debate in Parliament.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

Why do wealthy retirees look down on those with less savings?

From MarketWatch ● May 20, 2026

Do you look down on huge planes and boats and Beyoncé birthday parties?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2025

“All right,” the sheriff calls, turning his horse around so he can look down on us.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023