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.

Why do wealthy retirees look down on others?

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

“I don’t look down on any style of play,” Lloyd said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

The Romans look down on him, even as he does their bidding.

From Salon • Dec. 7, 2025

When addressing someone they look down on or are disrespecting, the Yautja use wul, while someone they respect would be addressed as dau.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2025

If there's anything I look down on, it's a man in a blue outfit.

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath

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