1
as in pitiful
arousing or deserving of one's loathing and disgust
even within the prison population, pedophiles are regarded as particularly despicable
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vile
not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency
the cad's despicable behavior toward women
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pathetic
deserving pitying scorn (as for inadequacy)
a despicable attempt at making a movie comedy
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despicable
As Katie, her behavior was despicable.
—
Kennedy French, Variety, 28 Feb. 2026
But years of racial pandering had created a too-big tent, enlarged in the name of electoral expediency, that offered dark corners for despicable ideologies.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2026
Marty’s despicable, but also, as played by Chalamet, winningly charming.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
The Department of Justice has launched a full investigation into the despicable incident that took place earlier today at a church in Minnesota.
—Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despicable
Kennedy French, Variety, 28 Feb. 2026
But years of racial pandering had created a too-big tent, enlarged in the name of electoral expediency, that offered dark corners for despicable ideologies.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2026
Marty’s despicable, but also, as played by Chalamet, winningly charming.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
The Department of Justice has launched a full investigation into the despicable incident that took place earlier today at a church in Minnesota.
—Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despicable
Adjective
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Given that California ranks a pitiful 49th in the nation in the condition, safety and costs of roads and bridges, according to the Reason Foundation’s 2025 Annual Highway Report, taxpayers’ transportation dollars would likely be better spent elsewhere.—
Adam Summers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Mar. 2026
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The rear cargo space is pitiful for a vehicle of this size, price, and classification.—
Jesus R. Garcia,
Houston Chronicle,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Cinderella with one vile stepsister would be locked in a zero-sum game.—
Christine Smallwood,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
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Other presidents have been partisan; other presidents have exhibited vile behavior.—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The politicians who shut down the government are pathetic on both sides of the aisle.—
Joe Soucheray,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
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His Floyd constantly straddles the line between sweet and pathetic, often falling off one side or the other.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But large-scale remedies, such as finding alternative sources of revenue like a general tax increase to offset property tax cuts, are less likely when lawmakers and Pritzker are seeking reelection — though political pressures are lessened after the November general election in a lame-duck session.—
Rick Pearson,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Mar. 2026
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This struck me as heartbreakingly lame and, therefore, as a moment of vital consequence.—
Amanda Peet,
New Yorker,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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In the especially nasty autumn of 1954, women in June Cleaver dresses and gas masks protested outside the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Mar. 2026
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The show excels at casting a spell through odd details, nasty red herrings, disturbing clues.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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One of the saddest bits of it, actually!—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2026
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Sister Jean would pass away at age 106 this past October, a sad metaphor for the fate of Cinderella.—
Greg Cote
Updated March 23,
Miami Herald,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Marlins under this owner have no reasonable way out of this rut of building on the cheap toward a future that never gets here.—
Greg Cote
Updated March 27,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
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Don't forget about the newer, more compact and much cheaper Lego Technic SLS set, only $60, also 'launches' with some clever Technic moving parts.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Michigan State Police said Robert Wilson, 44, of Gaylord, was arrested on March 25 and lodged at the Otsego County Jail on one charge each of accosting a minor for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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When the status quo is fundamentally evil and dysfunctional, then Trimming is immoral.—
David Brooks,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despicable. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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