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 do wealthy retirees look down on others?

From MarketWatch ● May 15, 2026

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

From Salon ● Dec. 7, 2025

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2025

From the front, 108 windows that might remind you of Austin Powers look down on you.

From BBC ● Jan. 4, 2025

Theo doesn’t look down on Vincent for being with someone from a lower class, having done so himself.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

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