despise

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 Dear Anna, My partner of three years absolutely despises Valentine’s Day. Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025 Christian abolitionists and slaveholders, for example, despised and critiqued one another on Biblical terms. Emma Green, The New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2025 There was a time when Gabbard and RFK Jr. — both of them — were despised by the Republicans. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 17 Feb. 2025 Among the many things Kingsley Amis despised was the notion that a writer might regard himself as an artist. Rachel Cusk, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for despise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despise
Verb
  • Alleviating financial anxiety Love or hate what’s happening, there has been financial fallout from all the uncertainty and chaos generated.
    Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Episode One introduces Jamie as a slight kid who hates needles and just wants to go home.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In other words, the excess of the original debt over the amount determined to have been due can be disregarded in calculating gross income.
    Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Others, however, pointed out that there may be more nuance to the situation — and that the OP disregarding his mother’s wishes could have serious consequences.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Importantly for Coleman, Barry has never forgotten who has done well by him.
    Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • From the start, many critics worried that school summer vacations would lead students to forget their lessons and waste time in unhealthy idleness.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Despise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despise. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on despise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!