despised 1 of 2

Definition of despisednext

despised

2 of 2

verb

past tense of despise

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 despised
Adjective
Before public opinion turned against the war, Ali was likely the most despised man in America. Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
An unofficial list provided by the Rhode Island Invasive Species Council includes a number of aggressive plants that are widely despised by gardeners, such as Norway maple, Oriental bittersweet, Tree of Heaven, autumn olive, garlic mustard and Japanese knotweed. Antonia Noori Farzan, The Providence Journal, 26 Jan. 2026 For the many Venezuelans who despised Maduro and his rule, that is disappointing. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026 Its author, Sadeq Hedayat, loved Iran deeply, but despised what the country had become under Islamic leadership. Amir Ahmadi Arian, The Dial, 15 Jan. 2026 Trump took decisive action Saturday in launching precision military strikes in Venezuela that enabled special forces to seize and detain Maduro, an illegitimate leader despised by his own people. Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 5 Jan. 2026 While sweet gum is known and appreciated for its lovely fall color, it is also despised for its seeds. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2025 The Taiwanese for three consecutive elections have selected the presidential candidate most despised by the CCP. Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 My father would have despised that. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 5 Dec. 2025 His 1983 version of Breathless, by the way, much despised by critics at the time but now prized by a growing cult of admirers, is a wonderful and deranged work, slick and sensationalistic in all the ways that Godard’s isn’t. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despised
Adjective
  • However, leaving for a rival as disliked as the Mets would undoubtedly leave a stain on his time with the Phillies.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
  • The Rats are some of the most widely disliked characters in Andrzej Sapkowski’s original novels.
    Scott Meslow, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Our best Procter & Gamble purchases came when the market hated it the most, and the stock was at or near its 52-week lows.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
  • In other words, the drone footage of Daniel searching could match cut with what was being filmed on the boat and in the river, rather than moving outside the unfolding of dramatic events to establish the world and tone, which was exactly what Marczak hated.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This is not to suggest the poll should be disregarded.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Reynolds and others also complained that commissioners disregarded previous wetland-restoration work that Kelly performed on the site.
    Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Like a lot of messy divorces, this started with a wandering eye, a lover scorned and boils down to the money.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Watch this episode for Edie Falco's fiery, Emmy-winning performance as a woman both exhausted and scorned.
    Dan Snierson, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Despised.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despised. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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