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Synonym Chooser

How is the word despicable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of despicable are contemptible, pitiable, scurvy, and sorry. While all these words mean "arousing or deserving scorn," despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

When can contemptible be used instead of despicable?

The meanings of contemptible and despicable largely overlap; however, contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

Where would pitiable be a reasonable alternative to despicable?

The words pitiable and despicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

How do scurvy and despicable relate to one another?

Scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

When might sorry be a better fit than despicable?

The synonyms sorry and despicable are sometimes interchangeable, but sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

Examples 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 despicable Even Martha Washington bore in on the Federalist side, saying that Jefferson was despicable, the most despicable mankind of all. NBC News, 22 Dec. 2024 Mangione allegedly took a human life, which is despicable. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024 And now, a woman has lost her life because of this despicable act. Calvin Milliner, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2024 Warren was neither asked nor volunteered proof to back up her despicable charge. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for despicable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despicable
Adjective
  • Perhaps this weekend can be a get-right game against the pitiful New York Jets, but there’s not much to be excited about.
    Fox News Staff, Fox News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • Mercifully, Newcastle came up against a Leicester side whose setup under Ruud van Nistelrooy was as naive as their defensive performance was pitiful.
    Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Yes, the internet facilitates stupid vile behaviours.
    Art de Roché, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
  • But there's a better chance of government acting against a vile status quo than waiting for colleges and universities to change.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In the final, pathetic weeks of his failed presidency, Joe Biden has been casting about desperately for a positive legacy.
    Jack Butler, National Review, 12 Jan. 2025
  • The 10th pick will be your usual pathetic Bear player.
    Jon Greenberg, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.
    Kevin Fisher-Paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 June 2021
  • My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.
    Tim Neville, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
  • The net front is the nastiest place on an NHL rink.
    Chris Branch, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
  • The second season trailer, which dropped on Wednesday, sees the title character who is played by Amer, who co-created the series with Ramy Youssef, trying to get back into the U.S. from Mexico after becoming entangled with nasty coyotes at the end of the first season in 2022.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Air France regrets this sad event and expresses its sincere condolences.
    Michael D. Carroll AND Theo Burman, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
  • But nothing in life is sadder than a reality television person who doesn't know when to retire.
    Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The 25-year-old is cheap, still a season away from salary arbitration eligibility, also plays the corner outfield spots, and won’t be a free agent until after the 2028 season.
    Brendan Kuty, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
  • New England legislators and regulators consistently blocked building additional pipelines from the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and other regions in the U.S. and Canada, which could bring cheap, onshore natural gas to replace fuel oil.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Growing shares in each party describe those in the other party as more closed-minded, dishonest, immoral and unintelligent than other Americans.
    NBC News, NBC News, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Last week’s interview saw CBS Mornings co-host Tony Dokoupil speak with author Ta-Nehisi Coates about his new book The Message, which passionately argues that Israel’s treatment of Palestinians is immoral and should be condemned.
    Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near despicable

Cite this Entry

“Despicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despicable. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on despicable

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