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

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 despise The social-justice warriors whom Williams most despises are not looters or rioters. Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2025 This is a warning to all those who despise creepy-crawlers and live in the Southwest and West. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 July 2025 And that’s just an example of all the people and value sets that Ron would despise, because Ron is a good person. Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 11 July 2025 Anything that minimizes the outcome of The Game is bound to be controversial for two fan bases that devote so much of their energy to despising one another. Austin Meek, New York Times, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for despise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despise
Verb
  • Xiaoxuemeng Baggy Barrel Pants The pants have a curved seam that gives the legs that barrel or lantern-like shape that people currently love (or hate).
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • There were people who loved it, and people who absolutely hated it — most especially [former New York Observer critic] Rex Reed.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Reigning Gold Cup champion Mexico will look to disregard that disruption in the hopes of building some momentum during this international break.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
  • But Daskalakis, Houry, and Jernigan say Kennedy barely engaged with CDC staff and disregarded CDC data that was provided, particularly related to vaccines.
    Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Keep Your Floors, Counters, and Appliances Clean Lastly, don’t forget to keep your floors and counters as clean as possible.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
  • New York Fashion Week delivers the style inspo on and off the runway while the Emmys bring the red carpet glam, and don’t forget, Taylor Swift is back in the stands serving stadium couture with a blinding new accessory.
    Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Despise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despise. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on despise

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