1
as in to hate
to dislike strongly
I despise anchovies on pizza, and I refuse to eat them!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Hamilton despised slavery and fought to end it — at least, that’s what most history books say.
—
Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
He is also known as the controversial and brash leader who despised idleness and, after creating a monarchy in Haiti in 1811, eventually suffered a tragic end.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
As our story made clear, Vought despises the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies, a core Republican ally in bringing conservative voices into the judiciary and federal law enforcement.
—Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 20 Mar. 2025
Some complained that the editorials have become like CNN, MSNBC, and other news sources that Republicans despise.
—arkansasonline.com, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despise
Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
He is also known as the controversial and brash leader who despised idleness and, after creating a monarchy in Haiti in 1811, eventually suffered a tragic end.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
As our story made clear, Vought despises the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies, a core Republican ally in bringing conservative voices into the judiciary and federal law enforcement.
—Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 20 Mar. 2025
Some complained that the editorials have become like CNN, MSNBC, and other news sources that Republicans despise.
—arkansasonline.com, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for despise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despise
Verb
-
And while Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hates DEI, his deputy billionaire Steven Feinberg has poured millions into the cause, Forbes’ Dan Alexander reports.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Neighborhood groups hate San Diego’s bonus ADU program.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The case has fueled concern among Democrats and legal scholars that President Trump is increasingly willing to disregard U.S. courts.—
Michael Wilner,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Critics argue that Garcia's deportation reflects a broader pattern of disregarding constitutional rights, sparking concerns over the erosion of legal protections in the country's justice system.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Despite the riveting plot, the author teases to PEOPLE that her main character is going to be the aspect of the novel that readers aren’t likely to forget.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Just don’t forget to include a personalized card with your cash gift of any amount!—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
29 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despise. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share