Synonyms of despise

despise

verb

di-ˈspīz 

1

as in to hate

to dislike strongly

I despise anchovies on pizza, and I refuse to eat them!

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hate
• detest
• loathe
• abhor
• abominate
• disdain
• have it in for
• disapprove (of)
• execrate
• deplore
• scorn
• deprecate
• discountenance
• disfavor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• love
• like
• prefer
• desire
• enjoy
• favor
• fancy
• relish
• admire
• adore
• approve (of)
• worship
• revere
• esteem
• treasure
• cherish
• idolize
• prize
• venerate
• hallow

2

as in to disregard

to ignore in a disrespectful manner

a traitor hated and despised by the whole community

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disregard
• forget
• scorn
• dismiss
• neglect
• overlook
• flout
• disparage
• pass over
• belittle
• deprecate
• slight
• slur (over)
• overpass

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accept
• use
• approve

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb despise differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of despise are contemn, disdain, and scorn. While all these words mean "to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration," despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

despises cowards

When can contemn be used instead of despise?

While in some cases nearly identical to despise, contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

When might disdain be a better fit than despise?

The meanings of disdain and despise largely overlap; however, disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

When would scorn be a good substitute for despise?

While the synonyms scorn and despise are close in meaning, scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

scorns the very thought of retirement

Examples of despise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The only problem: most of the fey despise humans, especially Prince Cardan, the enchanting son of the High King. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2024

Yasmin despises her father for having affairs but relies on him financially. —Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 7 Aug. 2024

Player-manager Jimmy Collins — another future Hall of Famer — deserted the team July 1 and went from revered to despised in Boston. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2024

Todd Lowenstein San Jose GOP fears competitive women and minorities Republicans despise Diversity Equity and Inclusion policies. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 2 Aug. 2024