as in disdain
open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect
the undisguised despitefulness with which the fashion designer announces his "10 worst" list
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despitefulness
Noun
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However, Secretary Kennedy has made no secret of his disdain for mainstream medical journals.—
Will Stone,
NPR,
28 Feb. 2026 -
Has any horror-movie series simultaneously expressed passive-aggressive disdain for, and outright pandered to, horror-movie fans as much as the Scream films?—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Neoconservatism was also fueled by contempt for diplomacy and multilateral organizations like the United Nations, and a sense that a decadent America would be reinvigorated by international aggression.—
Michelle Goldberg,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
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You guys can hold me in contempt from now until the cows come home.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Most Iranians regard these forces with fear and hatred.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
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Following her father’s example, Stella learns to overcome her fear and show courage in the face of hatred and injustice.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Despitefulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despitefulness. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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