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Synonym Chooser

How is the word despicable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of despicable are contemptible, pitiable, scurvy, and sorry. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

When can contemptible be used instead of despicable?

The meanings of contemptible and despicable largely overlap; however, contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

Where would pitiable be a reasonable alternative to despicable?

The words pitiable and despicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

How do scurvy and despicable relate to one another?

Scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

When might sorry be a better fit than despicable?

The synonyms sorry and despicable are sometimes interchangeable, but sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

Examples 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 despicable Venezuela had other despicable dictators before Maduro. Tim Padgett, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2024 None of the past presidents engaged in the despicable tactics used by Trump and his MAGA cult. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris called the flag burning and defacing of property despicable and unpatriotic. Matt Galka, Baltimore Sun, 25 July 2024 The despicable narrative should not be cloaked by the hurricane. Leah Dolan, CNN, 12 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for despicable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despicable
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, nearly one-third of election offices don’t have any full-time staff, wages are pitiful, and turnover rates grew from 28 percent in 2004—already high—to nearly 39 percent in 2022.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2024
  • The plight of Zimbabwe, moreover, remains pitiful, a once prosperous country not only reduced to economic ruin but also trapped in a culture of corruption and violence that Mugabe fostered since gaining power in 1980 and that is now deeply embedded among the ruling elite.
    Martin Meredith, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2018
Adjective
  • Flash forward 92-plus years to Donald Trump’s rally Sunday at New York’s Madison Square Garden, a bleak, lurid festival of racist hate and profane vituperation so vile that even fellow Republicans, who have turned a blind eye to Trump’s character for years, are distancing themselves from the event.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
  • The mass protests, vile sound bites, revolving door to his administration, and constant threats of violence and war have been exhausting.
    Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 24 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • After a downright pathetic few weeks, the Russians regrouped—or at least got regrouped enough.
    Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
  • The upcoming sequel to This Is Spinal Tap will be turning the pathetic knobs all the way to 11.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.
    Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 June 2021
  • My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.
    Tim Neville, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
  • Good post for a mid- to late-November afternoon: 70 to 100 yards back in timber and along the thickest, nastiest ditch that leads out to crops. 59) Don’t waste precious rut-hunting time.
    Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Reason for Ranking: Yet another solid (and prescient) premise that’s spoiled by a nasty streak and curious jokes about, uh, Abraham Lincoln hitting on Homer.
    Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Maybe not the question to ask a Canadian, but could sad smoke breaks bring America together today?
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
  • One of Jones’ most famous productions stands as his top-selling title in this sad moment, but it’s not credited to him as an artist.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The standard plan with ads costs $6.99/month, less than half the cost of the regular standard plan ($15.49/month), and much cheaper than the top-tier premium plan ($22.99/month).
    Emily Dreibelbis Forlini, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
  • By contrast, solar panels, wind turbines, and appliances like induction stoves only get better — more efficient and cheaper — with time.
    Matt Simon / Grist, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This term was derived from bawd, which referred to someone who encouraged immoral or promiscuous behavior, particularly a procuress or pimp.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
  • Some senior officers mistakenly believe that the military is obligated to resist orders that are unethical or immoral.
    Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 13 Sep. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near despicable

Cite this Entry

“Despicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despicable. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on despicable

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