What Is Another Way to Say “Looking Down on Someone”?

Looking for synonyms for looking down on someone? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say looking down on someone.

  • Condescending
  • Patronizing
  • Scornful
  • Disdainful
  • Sneering
  • Contemptuous
  • Derogatory
  • Disparaging
  • Belittling
  • Snobbish
  • Superior
  • Dismissive
  • Haughty
  • Supercilious
  • Contemptible

Want to learn how to say looking down on someone professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Condescending

Used when someone behaves in a way that shows a feeling of superiority over others.

  • Example: “His condescending remarks about her presentation style left the team feeling undervalued.”

2. Patronizing

Suitable for situations where someone treats others with apparent kindness, but betrays a sense of superiority.

  • Example: “Her patronizing tone when explaining basic concepts frustrated her knowledgeable colleagues.”

3. Scornful

Used when someone shows open disrespect or disdain for someone or something.

  • Example: “He was scornful of the new intern’s ideas, dismissing them without consideration.”

4. Disdainful

Refers to showing contempt or lack of respect in a haughty manner.

  • Example: “The manager’s disdainful attitude towards suggestions from junior staff members stifled creativity.”

5. Sneering

Used to describe the act of speaking or looking at someone with contempt.

  • Example: “His sneering comment during the meeting undermined the speaker’s confidence.”

6. Contemptuous

Appropriate when someone shows deep disrespect or disdain towards another person.

  • Example: “Her contemptuous dismissal of the customer’s complaint damaged the company’s reputation.”

7. Derogatory

Used when someone’s comments or attitude are insulting or demeaning.

  • Example: “The supervisor’s derogatory remarks about his team’s performance were unprofessional.”

8. Disparaging

Suitable for situations where someone belittles or speaks slightingly about someone else.

  • Example: “His disparaging remarks about the project devalued the team’s hard work.”

9. Belittling

Refers to speaking or behaving in a way that makes someone feel small or insignificant.

  • Example: “Belittling her colleagues’ achievements did not endear her to her team.”

10. Snobbish

Used when someone acts as if they are better than others, especially in matters of taste or intellect.

  • Example: “Her snobbish attitude towards the less experienced staff created a divide in the office.”

11. Superior

Implies an attitude of superiority and a lack of respect for others.

  • Example: “His superior manner when addressing junior staff was off-putting.”

12. Dismissive

Used when someone shows indifference or disregard for someone else’s thoughts or ideas.

  • Example: “The manager was dismissive of the new proposal, not recognizing its potential.”

13. Haughty

Refers to an arrogantly superior and disdainful attitude.

  • Example: “Her haughty dismissal of constructive criticism hindered team progress.”

14. Supercilious

Used to describe an attitude of superiority and contempt towards others, often accompanied by a raised eyebrow or smirk.

  • Example: “His supercilious response to the presentation left the team feeling disrespected.”

15. Contemptible

Appropriate for describing behavior that is deserving of contempt or scorn.

  • Example: “The CEO’s contemptible treatment of the employees led to a high turnover rate.”

Linda Brown