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

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

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 Those of us who despise Trumpism too rarely asked ourselves whether Trump’s efforts to conceal an apparently consensual relationship with Stormy Daniels were the proper grounds for prosecution. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Overnight, this 54-year-old Southern Californian began dealing with acid reflux, random bloating, constipation, and a rebelling digestive system that suddenly despised her favorite foods. — Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 17 Aug. 2026 Naturally, this puts him at odds with the Green Lantern Corps – but Sinestro really really despises the Guardians of the Universe the most here. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Most of the refugees from the region fended for themselves in shanty towns around Baku, despised by the urbanites even as their plight was weaponized. — Literary Hub, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for despise

Recent Examples of Synonyms for despise

Verb

The judges love Naheim’s gown but hate his jacket, which makes Law feel claustrophobic.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Whether fans love it or hate it, the pairing has generated plenty of conversation ahead of the NFL season and has given Steelers Nation an unexpected new mascot to debate.

— Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of hate

Verb

On rare occasions the selection of award recipients has also served as a critique of public policy and institutional practices that have disregarded scientific evidence or been grounded in unscientific reasoning.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026
The judge denied the mistrial motion, siding with the prosecution that the jury will be told to disregard the comments on Clancy’s faith.

— NBC News, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of disregard

Browse Nearby Words

despicably

despise

despised

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“Despise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despise. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of despise

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