despise

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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web Yes, the film is razzing the corporate frameworks around these beloved (or sometimes despised) enterprises. David Sims, The Atlantic, 23 July 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for despise 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despise
Verb
  • Johnson delivers a tremendous, booming performance that draws real fear and hate from the audience.
    Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press, 25 Oct. 2024
  • What else is going on UCLA students and faculty are raising alarms over antisemitic and anti-Palestinian hate amid ongoing protests.
    Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Jackson was having trouble keeping his cool every time Rich bypassed the design review process or seemed to totally disregard their brand guidelines.
    Melody Wilding, Harvard Business Review, 25 Oct. 2024
  • Yet Washington forges ahead, sticking to script and disregarding consequences.
    Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Though the world often forgets the humanity of public figures, together, the two athletes have created a bubble of safety and understanding.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Oct. 2024
  • Since the origin of these monsters had been all but forgotten, observers’ imaginations ran wild.
    Lanta Davis and Vince Reighard, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near despise

Cite this Entry

“Despise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despise. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on despise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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