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

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 On a sunny but frigid day, a 21-gun salute rang out to honor a no-frills man who famously despised rituals and felt most comfortable living a normal life. —

Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025 And today’s high 10-year yield means bonds are despised right now. —

Brett Owens, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 We high-key despised the Grinch for stealing little Cindy Lou Who’s Christmas. —

Nate Iglehart, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Dec. 2024 Rather, they were introduced to pander to the segment of the progressive base that despises Israel simply for existing. —

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for despise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for despise

Verb

The memories Adria had drawn upon to make this part work—not just memories of a gesture or a look but of the moments when Lisa, when Lindy, just hated her.

— Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
While Hill may have been hating on McClung and the contest as a whole, many people enjoyed it.

— Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025