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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 Venezuela had other despicable dictators before Maduro. Tim Padgett, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2024 None of the past presidents engaged in the despicable tactics used by Trump and his MAGA cult. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris called the flag burning and defacing of property despicable and unpatriotic. Matt Galka, Baltimore Sun, 25 July 2024 The despicable narrative should not be cloaked by the hurricane. Leah Dolan, CNN, 12 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for despicable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despicable
Adjective
  • The credit is non-existent, the pay pitiful given the expertise involved.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Just about every memory of his father and uncle turns on the question of masculinity, how manly qualities must triumph over the pitiful feminine.
    Robert Rubsam, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • This was one of the vilest crimes committed by the American government against its own people.
    Chloe Iris Kennedy, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Soccer fans are, for the most part, liberal and cosmopolitan in the U.S., so Lalas’ conservatism has led him to be called a vile human, a fascist and a dumb far-right puppet.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Lydia Tar’s lack of self-awareness only made the character funnier and more pathetic in her downfall.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
  • The upcoming sequel to This Is Spinal Tap will be turning the pathetic knobs all the way to 11.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024
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
  • Good post for a mid- to late-November afternoon: 70 to 100 yards back in timber and along the thickest, nastiest ditch that leads out to crops. 59) Don’t waste precious rut-hunting time.
    Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Reason for Ranking: Yet another solid (and prescient) premise that’s spoiled by a nasty streak and curious jokes about, uh, Abraham Lincoln hitting on Homer.
    Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • After a few training montages and a brief interview with facility manager Didi (Stephanie Beatriz), Charles moves into Pacific View to begin the process of meeting the staff and fellow residents, who are variously enthusiastic and sad, bored and over-programmed, lonely and horny.
    Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Last year, Ficklin was feeling a little sad and anxious about moving out of her family’s home of 23 years.
    Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • By contrast, solar panels, wind turbines, and appliances like induction stoves only get better — more efficient and cheaper — with time.
    Matt Simon / Grist, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
  • The standard plan with ads costs $6.99/month, less than half the cost of the regular standard plan ($15.49/month), and much cheaper than the top-tier premium plan ($22.99/month).
    Emily Dreibelbis Forlini, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This term was derived from bawd, which referred to someone who encouraged immoral or promiscuous behavior, particularly a procuress or pimp.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
  • Some senior officers mistakenly believe that the military is obligated to resist orders that are unethical or immoral.
    Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 13 Sep. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near despicable

Cite this Entry

“Despicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despicable. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on despicable

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