For who would beare the Whips and Scornes of time, / The Oppressors wrong, the poore mans Contumely, [...]
Source: wiktionary
Contumely
/ˈkɒnt͡ʃuːməli/
Synonyms for "contumely" (107 found)
Ranked by relevance and common usage.
Closest matches (22)
Strong matches (32)
Related words (53)
jawingjeerjeeringjeremiadmockmockeryobloquyobtrusivenessoffenseonslaughtopprobriumoutrageoverweeningoverweeningnesspatronagephilippicpresumptionpresumptuousnessprocacitypushiness
Show 31 more words
put downput-downratingreflectionrevilementridiculesarcasmscoffscornscornfulnessscreedscurrilityslapslap in the facesniffinesssnobbishnesssnootinesssnottinesssovereign contemptstricturesuperciliousnesstaunttiradetongue lashingtongue-lashingtoploftinessuncomplimentary remarkuppishnessuppitynessvilificationvituperation
Noun(2 words)
Choosing the right synonym
- Closest matches in this entry: insult, abuse, abuse, affront, affront.
- Sentence evidence is available for contumely, so synonym choice can be checked against real usage rather than a flat word list.
- Ranking signals come from wordnet, opengloss, moby, derived_reverse, and related lexical sources.
Synonym selection checklist
- Match the part of speech before comparing meanings.
- Check whether the synonym changes intensity, formality, or emotional tone.
- Read the replacement inside the full sentence, not just beside "contumely".
- Prefer the clearest word over the most unusual word when writing for speed or comprehension.
When not to replace "contumely"
Keep "contumely" when the sentence already sounds natural, when a synonym would add unintended emphasis, or when readers need the most familiar wording. A synonym should clarify or sharpen the message, not simply make the sentence look more varied.
If two options seem close, choose the one that best matches the audience and purpose of the sentence.
Replacement workflow
1. Preserve meaning
Choose a synonym only if it keeps the core idea of "contumely" intact in the sentence you are editing.
2. Tune tone
Check whether the replacement sounds more formal, casual, emotional, technical, or forceful than the original word.
3. Re-read context
Read the full sentence after the swap. Keep the synonym only when the sentence becomes clearer or more precise.
Review note: Synonym lists are ranked with lexical data and reviewed for practical writing value. Use the comparison notes, sentence evidence, and source labels together; a high-ranking synonym can still be wrong when the audience, register, or grammar changes.
Final fit check
After choosing a replacement for "contumely", read the sentence once for meaning and once for rhythm. The best synonym should feel natural in the full sentence, not only accurate in a word list.
If the synonym makes the sentence slower, vaguer, or more dramatic than intended, keep "contumely" or choose a simpler alternative from the closest-match group.
Related word relations
OpenGloss and ConceptNet supply richer edges like generalizations, collocations, and derivations.
More general
5 entriesMore specific
3 entriesCollocations
5 entriesaddress contumelydisplay contumelyshow contumely toward otherstreat with contumelyutter contumely
Inflections
1 entriesDerivations
3 entriesSample sentences
9 total sentences available.
Think of the insults, wrongs, and contumelies, / Ye bear from your proud lords—that your hard toil / Manures their fertile fields—you plow the earth, / You sow the corn, you reap the ripen'd harvest,— / They riot on the produce!— [...]
Source: wiktionary
She had been subjected to contumely and cross-questoning and ill-usage through the whole evening.
Source: wiktionary
Every one who has ever tried to set the affairs of his neighbors straight for them must be aware that those who pursue this course lay themselves open not only to ingratitude, but to positive contumely.
Source: wiktionary
Showing 4 of 9 available sentences.
Common questions
What are the closest synonyms for "contumely"?
Closest matches include insult, abuse, abuse, affront, affront.
How should I check whether a synonym fits "contumely"?
Compare the replacement against real sentence context. This entry includes sample sentences so you can check tone, grammar, and meaning before swapping words.