despise

verb

di-ˈspīz How to pronounce despise (audio)
Definition of despisenext
1
as in to hate
to dislike strongly I despise anchovies on pizza, and I refuse to eat them!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 Centrists despised the deep cuts to programs for the poor and elderly. —Philip Elliott, Time, 1 July 2025 Many of them love their country but despise what the regime has turned it into. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025 Mass migration is despised by this ideological sect, not only in this country but throughout the world. —Tom Philp, Mercury News, 20 June 2025 But he is despised by Thailand’s powerful elites, who saw his rule as corrupt, authoritarian and socially destabilizing. —Lionel Lim, Fortune, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for despise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despise
  1. hate
  2. disregard
  3. forget
Verb
  • As a door-to-door fax machine saleswoman, Sara Blakely hated wearing traditional pantyhose.
    — Iain Martin, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The local media are used to it, but out-of-town media hate the setup.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
Definition of hate
Verb
  • We’re overrun by leaders who are psychopaths or sociopaths (people who disregard social norms and the rights of others).
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025
  • Even now, six months into President Trump’s second term, there’s a tendency to disregard his sometimes fiery rhetoric as mere big talk.
    — Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 4 July 2025
Definition of disregard
Verb
  • People sometimes forget that being a legendary vocalist means more than just hitting the right notes.
    — Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • If your grass fails the tug test and is deemed completely dead, save your water and try your best to forget about your lawn until late summer or early fall.
    — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 22 July 2025
Definition of forget

Browse Nearby Words

despicably
despise
despised
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Despise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despise. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of despise for Spanish Speakers

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