Definition of despicablenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word despicable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of despicable are contemptible, pitiable, scurvy, and sorry. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

When can contemptible be used instead of despicable?

The meanings of contemptible and despicable largely overlap; however, contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

Where would pitiable be a reasonable alternative to despicable?

The words pitiable and despicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

How do scurvy and despicable relate to one another?

Scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

When might sorry be a better fit than despicable?

The synonyms sorry and despicable are sometimes interchangeable, but sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

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 despicable Leto, who has done more than a few of these kinds of villainous cartoon characters, brings some scene-stealing sly humor and sharp line readings to his despicable Skeletor with a voice that sounds like a cross between James Earl Jones and Sir Ian McKellen. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 2 June 2026 These despicable acts are the norm of this administration. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026 There are dirty plays in hockey, and there are the plays beyond that that are just downright despicable. Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026 Over the course of an hour-plus, the most despicable people do the most despicable things, and the least despicable people pay the price. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for despicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despicable
Adjective
  • Completing the hat trick in pitiful style, Taking on the World was shot on a shoestring budget, helmed by the man behind Highlander III, and forced to rely on stock footage of real-life footballers.
    Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Given the national team’s pitiful demise at the Oval, with New Zealand completing victory on the fifth morning, Ben Stokes’ revival in absentia feels like the only consolation from a miserable week.
    Hector Vickers, New York Times, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Powerful, rich people filled the lawn to watch a violent sport that ended with a vile and racist comment.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026
  • That person is referring to heavyweight Josh Hokit, who is facing widespread backlash for making a vile joke about former first lady Michelle Obama after winning his match over Derrick Lewis.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • After these first three majors — and after a pathetic showing this week at Shinnecock — there's no reason to bet against it.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
  • The Right Now’s Diana Levy — the executive producer of the stunt — asked reporters to spread out in a way that would make the turnout appear as sparse (and therefore pathetic) as possible.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • On paper, some of the six, all of whom are far-right conservatives, have enviable educational backgrounds, but the record has proven that each one is openly political and willing to rubber-stamp nearly all of DeSantis’ lame and unconstitutional policies.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2026
  • In November 2008 an errant air strike, conducted under auspices of a lame-duck Bush administration, killed 37 civilians who were at a wedding party in Wech Baghtu, Afghanistan.
    Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • We’re used to nasty, hateful, and sometimes violent things being said about us and even about our family.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 26 June 2026
  • Tarik Skubal was nasty against the Yankees.
    Levi Weaver, New York Times, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Then Greene takes a long, sad subway ride home, and America learns that one of their favorite TV doctors isn't flawless.
    EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 2026
  • Local foodies were sad to hear owner Sylvia Chung (Momma Chung) retired and closed the south Fort Worth restaurant in October of last year.
    Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • The revolution won’t come cheap.
    Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • Across six online experiments, the researchers showed participants a cheaper lower-quality item such as a sweater alongside a pricier higher-quality version.
    Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Court records show that 60-year-old Bradley Kyle Martin, of Dearborn Heights, is charged with using a computer or internet to communicate with another person to commit a crime and accosting children for immoral purposes.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • These monsters—its antitheses—constitute that part of our nature that urges us to be sensible and strong, and that inclines us to see the life drive as trivial, weak, sentimental and immoral.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Despicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despicable. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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