Doris can become cynically contemptuous (8)
I believe the answer is:
sardonic
'cynically contemptuous' is the definition.
'sardonic' can be an answer for 'contemptuous' (thesaurus). I'm unsure of the 'cynically' bit.
'doris can become' is the wordplay.
'become' indicates anagramming the letters.
'doris'+'can'='doriscan'
'doriscan' is an anagram of 'SARDONIC'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sardonic that I've seen before include "Humorous in grim way - seems so rancid" , "Heartless and bitter" , "Cynical -- so rancid (anag)" , "Scornfully mocking" , "Sarcastic" .)