despise

Definition of despisenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb despise differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of despise are contemn, disdain, and scorn. While all these words 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

When can contemn be used instead of despise?

While in some cases nearly identical to despise, contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

When might disdain be a better fit than despise?

The meanings of disdain and despise largely overlap; however, disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

When would scorn be a good substitute for despise?

While the synonyms scorn and despise are close in meaning, scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

scorns the very thought of retirement

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 Jason Segel and Samara Weaving play Dan and Lisa, a married couple who have come to despise each other. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026 The Mujahedeen-e-Khalq is listed as a terrorist organization by Iran and is widely despised inside the country. Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026 This poses a challenge for people like me who get cold easily, but also despise the feeling of overheating due to over-layering. Harry Spampinato, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026 There was appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity, as well as the wisdom and words, that Holtz provided to them during their lives, but it was muddied by his support of a political figure so many passionately opposed, and/or despised. Mac Engel march 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for despise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despise
Verb
  • The astronauts famously hated the bagged-poop approach.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
  • And what little that gets done is highly partisan and generally hated by the other side and is then attacked relentlessly when the other side regains power.
    Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Jurors were later instructed to disregard large portions of the girl’s testimony, which the appellate panel said was likely confusing to the jury.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Taylor Swift‘s latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, has sparked a lawsuit from a writer, who accuses the singer of knowingly disregarding her claim to a similar name.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And don't forget to join the Bake Club Group chat over on Substack.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
  • And Gulf citizens aren’t going to forgive and forget.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Despise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despise. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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