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
• execrate
• have it in for
• disapprove (of)
• scorn
• deplore
• 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of despise

Lenin despised its predecessor, municipal socialism, for much the same reason. — Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

Lazy, uninteresting stories made by people who obviously despise their audiences is a recipe for disaster. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

During Season 10, a newly confident Batula — who seemed to despise Cooke from the first minute of the premiere episode — appeared to be poised to launch a triumphant post-divorce arc, free at last from Cooke’s belittlement and verbal abuse. — Kate Aurthur, Variety, 29 June 2026

In a classic enemies-to-lovers plot, Sully and Helen go from despising one another to falling head over heels. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026