despises

Definition of despisesnext
present tense third-person singular of despise

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 despises This brief funk is broken when Clay comes home to find his mother — who, like everyone else in their backwoods local area, despises their stunts — watching an old movie on TV. Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026 The aide, Colonel Dave Butler, a former infantry officer, is a longtime leader in Army public affairs (not a specialty Hegseth embraces) who worked closely with the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley (whom Hegseth despises). Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026 The production reimagines the titular character as Alice, a novelist who despises hollow contemporary mantras and faces backlash for speaking her mind. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026 Policing women is a byproduct of patriarchy, a system that despises women who dare to embrace individualism, self-expression, and self-autonomy. Essence, 5 Jan. 2026 Melissa Fields, the founder of Shades of Gray Design Studio, greatly despises seeing workout supplies in the bedroom. Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 30 Dec. 2025 The feature stars Carrey as the titular green outcast who despises Christmas and Momsen as young Whoville resident Cindy Lou Who. Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025 Maybe your coworker has an upcoming presentation to senior leadership or your friend despises mushrooms. Lorraine K. Lee, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025 The social-justice warriors whom Williams most despises are not looters or rioters. Book Marks august 7, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despises
Verb
  • Only in Pamela, and everyone hates that book.
    Alice Burton, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Not that Horan hates a creamy pint.
    Lars Brandle, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The plan also totally disregards the historical and religious sites in the Strip.
    Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
  • In the letter, Wicker said the facility would not generate economic return, would place significant strain on local resources and disregards the concerns of the community.
    Jack Armstrong, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But this is also another layer of always-on surveillance that never forgets and never gives you the benefit of the doubt.
    Kim Komando The Kim Komando Show, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
  • An adult who constantly misses deadlines, forgets important obligations and feels chronically overwhelmed might be dealing with workplace burnout, a severe anxiety disorder or undiagnosed ADHD.
    Deldhy Nicolás Moya Sánchez, The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In character as a free spirit who scorns social convention, Davis is all haughty tosses of the head and sneering lines.
    Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
  • This comes as mosques and holy shrines have been important bases for the regime to spread the hardcore ideology its leaders stand by, which bans any kind of dance and music and scorns them as sins -- let alone tolerating them in public or at holy sites.
    Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Despises.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despises. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on despises

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster