Synonyms for

Despise

Verb / dɪˈspaɪz / Another word for despise — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to strongly dislike or have contempt for someone or something

Synonyms & similar words

scorn disdain contemn hate detest loathe abhor scorn disdain dislike revile despise shun reject repudiate condemn contemn spurn disrespect vilify

Synonyms by register

Formal

detest abhor loathe scorn

Informal

hate can't stand dislike intensely

Literary

scorn disdain

Antonyms

love adore cherish admire respect approve value

Common collocations

  • despise someone
  • despise something
  • despise the rich
  • despise authority
  • despise your enemies
  • despise all forms of

Word family

noun despisal
verb despise
adjective despicable

Usage note

Despise implies a strong feeling of dislike and contempt, often accompanied by a sense of moral superiority. It is a strong word and should be used with care.

Example sentences

  1. I despise the taste of broccoli.
  2. She despises people who are cruel to animals.
  3. He despises his boss for how he treats his employees.
  4. The team despises losing games.
  5. They despise anything that is unfair.

Quotes

  • I despise people who go to the gutter on either the right or the left and hurl rocks at those in the center. - Dwight D. Eisenhower
  • I despise making the most of one's time. Half of the pleasures of life consist of the opportunities one has neglected. - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
  • I despise people who live by slogans. - David Mamet

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