despised 1 of 2

despised

2 of 2

verb

past tense of despise

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of despised
Adjective
Smith had slapped Chris Rock onstage at the Academy Awards, and was suddenly one of the most despised actors in America. Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026 This is a despised company right now. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026 For most households, cleaning the oven is a despised chore. Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026 Before public opinion turned against the war, Ali was likely the most despised man in America. Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
The likely architect of that plot was Lyonel’s own scheming son, Larys, whom Simon openly despised. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 June 2026 Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee once put it this way about why some golfer tirades add character while others are despised. Brody Miller, New York Times, 19 June 2026 The traditional vuvuzela has been loved by some fans and despised by others. Kenny Choi, CBS News, 12 June 2026 The philosopher and theologian David Bentley Hart says that Christianity brought a moral revolution to a world that assessed a person’s value based on things such as birth, class, and power, where the weak were despised. Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 The Chicago fans, however, were determined to let Ruth know that on their turf he was despised. Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 There was a time when famed hedonistic hostess Rebekah Harkness despised parties. Rosemary Counter, Vanity Fair, 8 June 2026 Though often despised, carp are exceedingly shy and difficult, and great fighters. Byron W. Dalrymple, Outdoor Life, 4 June 2026 Corporate bosses and some regulators have long despised the practice of rooting for share prices to fall, but defenders say short selling creates an incentive to expose wrongdoing and acts as a check on increasingly passive stock markets. Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 2 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despised
Adjective
  • Finding a disliked celebrity with the offending crossed legs is optional.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2026
  • Walmart, the second-cheapest option, was among the most disliked.
    Eva Flowe May 29, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • The billionaires so hated by Democrats and certain Republicans have ways to escape this tax.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • Many a knave is rich, sleek, and honored, while the just man is poor, hated, and in torment.
    Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • His father, who founded the Link Piano and Organ Company, probably disregarded the sketch as a young boy’s fantasy.
    Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026
  • Reporters disregarded that request in their questions for Iran's head coach, Amir Ghalenoei.
    Callie Fin, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Gerardo Ortiz What’s a música mexicana festival without a bit of yearning and scorned romance?
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026
  • For years, Knicks owner James Dolan has been scorned by fans.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Despised.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despised. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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