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.

“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

It's likely that you have not heard of Taiwan's Hong Fu Industrial Group, but look down on a busy street and you may well see its products.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2025

She could look down on it from her window.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

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