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 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 Hart despises him and his blundering height, despises the hokey sentimentality of Oklahoma! Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025 Businesses facing sudden shifts in tariffs should brace for more limbo, uncertainty, and potentially lots of legal ping-pong, where policies are announced, enjoined, and reversed on wash-rinse-and-repeat — creating uncertainty that markets despise. Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025 Trudeau despises Poilievre, sees him as a threat to the Canada his father built. Stephen Maher, TIME, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for despise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despise
Verb
  • The new 2025 Wells Fargo Money Study, based on surveys of nearly 4,000 Americans, tabulated several pieces of shopworn advice that consumers have grown to hate.
    Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
  • People hated Japanese-Americans after the war, Scott Kido said between tears.
    Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Such attitudes disregard the hard realities of life in the United States for certain Americans.
    K. Ward Cummings, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The Pentagon, Department of Justice, FBI, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) all instructed employees to disregard the email or said ignoring it would not result in termination.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The plot for the fourth Spider-Man is being kept under wraps, with the last film, No Way Home, ending with the world forgetting that teenager Peter Parker was Spider-Man, including MJ (Zendaya).
    Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Don’t forget to use the cool shot at the end to really lock in your style.
    Kylee McGuigan, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Despise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despise. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on despise

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