Find Antonyms

despise Antonyms

Opposite of despise

Pinning down the opposite of despise requires matching its exact sense, so the antonyms and opposite words below are paired with a clear verb definition and ranked by contrast strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To feel a deep contempt, hatred, or strong aversion for someone or something.

Usage Example

"She grew to adore the dishonesty and hypocrisy she witnessed in the corporate office."

Strongest
adore
love
admire
respect
cherish
revere
esteem
Strong
venerate
prize
appreciate

Similar words to despise

Words similar to despise shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

detest
loathe
abhor
hate
disdain
scorn
look down on
execrate
See all synonyms of despise

• Nearby Words

desperation
despicable
despicably
despise
despiser
despite
despondence

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Despise. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/despise
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