DESPISE Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

despise

verb

di-ˈspīz

Definition of despise next

as in to hate

to dislike strongly I despise anchovies on pizza, and I refuse to eat them!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to disregard

to ignore in a disrespectful manner a traitor hated and despised by the whole community

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 despise Stefano is a very interesting villain, a capable doctor who despises the sick and wounded. —

Damon Wise, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2024 We are despised, mistrusted and ridiculed at every turn. —

Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2024 The original, of course, was not a musical, and did not feature an ending that everyone seems to despise. —

Paul Tassi, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 But at the ground level, everyone despised the requirement. —

Sarah A. Topol, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for despise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for despise

Verb

An onlooker snapped a picture, which seemed to exemplify the lawlessness that is inherent to why some people love sideshows and others hate them.

Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
All the while, Elon Musk—a far-right activist and the site’s owner, who is campaigning for and giving away millions to help elect Donald Trump—amplifies horrendous conspiracy theories about voter fraud, migrants run amok, and the idea that Jewish people hate white people.

Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024