Words For Contempt

noun mockery or ridicule

• The speaker was met with derision from the audience after making an unpopular statement.
• She couldn't help but burst into derision when she saw his outfit.
• The group of friends were throwing derision at each other all night.
• The artist's new painting was met with derision, but he stood by his work.

noun a sound or utterance expressing disapproval, indignation, or scorn

verb to clear the throat noisily in a pompous way

• The professor let out a harrumph before beginning his lecture.
• When I told him I was running late, he just harrumphed and walked away.
• She gave a dramatic harrumph when she found out she didn't get the job.
• The old man's harrumph was a clear sign of his disapproval.