1
as in to hate
to dislike strongly
I despise anchovies on pizza, and I refuse to eat them!
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in disdain
open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect
an expression of total despisement for the "unwashed masses"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despise
Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025
The series follows two colleagues from vastly different backgrounds who initially despise each other.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025
Republicans despise him already (as Democrats always have).
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 25 Apr. 2025
As much as people despise Nico for this trade, this prediction may be right.
—Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despise
Verb
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was despised by first lady Jill Biden and was semi-alienated from Harris.
—Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025
The series follows two colleagues from vastly different backgrounds who initially despise each other.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025
Republicans despise him already (as Democrats always have).
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 25 Apr. 2025
As much as people despise Nico for this trade, this prediction may be right.
—Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despise
Verb
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Aside: Her daughters, when young, hated when the former Vogue fashion editor reached for leggings.—
Jackie Fields,
People.com,
12 May 2025
-
While Monty loves to run around in the rain, Sam hates getting wet, avoiding the water at all costs.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
Verb
-
Watson Coleman said that ICE attempted to delay and dissuade the lawmakers from entering the facility and ultimately disregarded their authority.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
-
Executive overreach and disregard for the jurisdiction, independence, and Orders of courts is red meat for populist leaders and their followers.—
Mark A. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Noun
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Young has never shied from making his disdain for Trump clear.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
20 May 2025
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One of the unspoken pleasures of Drag Race is when Michelle gets her toes stepped on by a guest judge and/or can’t mask her disdain for them.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Don’t forget to take advantage of the signature St. Regis butler service, which will promptly fulfill requests for packing needs, garment pressing, restaurant reservations and a cup of steaming chamomile tea to unwind after a long flight.—
Natasha Amar,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
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The new digital feature will allow individuals who have either forgotten their Social Security number or who have lost their Social Security cards to access their personal number online through the agency’s My Social Security website.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
11 May 2025
Noun
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In November, Swain found Adams’ administration in contempt of multiple provisions of the consent decree designed to improve conditions for inmates and staff at Rikers.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
13 May 2025
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Lanez was deposed as part of the case earlier this year, and in April, Megan’s lawyers filed a motion to hold Lanez in contempt of court.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
12 May 2025
Noun
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The project educates students about the dangers of hatred and bigotry and the importance of standing against all forms of prejudice.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
15 May 2025
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Meanwhile, Republicans such as our current president spew contempt like volcanoes of hatred, prejudice and madness.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despise. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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