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 Persuadable Trump voters, the target audience, don’t despise the rich or long for a progressive utopia. Clive Crook, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025 Many people fear them, attack them, or despise them. Anna Tunkova, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025 That’s not the case with Bertha’s son, Larry (Harry Richardson), who seems to have joined his father in absolutely despising Bertha by the end of the season. Brent Lang, Variety, 11 Aug. 2025 The social-justice warriors whom Williams most despises are not looters or rioters. Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for despise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despise
Verb
  • Now, the goalposts have been moved again, reinforcing that the entire game now is just the endless pursuit of a light level, something fans have hated so much in Destiny it was reduced or even removed in the past.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • In fact, it is made the show less funny, less interesting, and symptomatic of a larger trend where the award show hates itself for no particular reason.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The potential adverse consequences to entrepreneurs when well-being is disregarded are well-documented.
    Samantha Dewalt, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
  • However, protestors have disregarded the curfews, as did those in Kathmandu on Monday.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Neither will forget what Harbaugh did late in the blowout, when going for two points after a touchdown instead of kicking a PAT to signal everything was A-OK between the two.
    Jay Paris, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Don’t forget meds, food, clean ID tags, and anything else your dog might need on the trip.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Despise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despise. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on despise

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