Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

despise

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of despise

1 to dislike strongly
  • I despise anchovies on pizza, and I refuse to eat them!
Synonyms of despise

abhor, abominate, detest, execrate, hate, loathe
Words Related to despise

deplore, deprecate, disapprove (of), discountenance, disdain, disfavor, scorn
Phrases Synonymous with despise

have it in for
Near Antonyms of despise

desire, fancy, favor, like, prefer

enjoy, relish

admire, adore, approve (of), esteem, hallow, idolize, revere, venerate, worship

cherish, prize, treasure
Antonyms of despise

love
2 to ignore in a disrespectful manner
  • a traitor hated and despised by the whole community
Synonyms of despise

disregard, flout, scorn
Words Related to despise

dismiss, forget, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slur (over)

belittle, deprecate, disparage, slight
Near Antonyms of despise

accept, approve

use

Synonym Discussion of despise

despise, contemn, scorn, disdain 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
contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.
    • contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers
scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.
    • scorns the very thought of retirement
disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.
    • disdained popular music

Learn More about despise

  1. Dictionary: Definition of despise Spanish Central: Translation of despise Nglish: Translation of despise for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of despise for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up despise? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

contraption

Listen to the pronounciation of contraption

a device or gadget

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. concentration camp Debate over detentions drives searches

  2. animus AOC discusses impeachment

  3. auspice Trump comments on North Korea rumors

SEE ALL
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games