Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lisa James directs with an eye for nuance, drawing out the worst of the characters' behavior yet not letting them descend into sheer despicableness.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2018

Human despicableness informs so many of our favorite shows, to the degree that we become largely inured to the moral shortcomings of antiheroes.

From Washington Post • Jan. 7, 2016

You have watched shows like this before and dealt with similar characters: They’re made to be despicable so that we will relate to some despicableness deep within ourselves.

From Washington Post • Apr. 23, 2015

Jack Gleeson was blessed with an incredibly punchable sneer, but his master stroke, as an actor, was to base Joffrey’s despicableness in universally recognizable character faults.

From New York Times • Apr. 14, 2014

"Footy" pronounced with a sneering expression of countenance conveys a sense of despicableness, even to those who do not know its exact definition, which may be taken as mean.

From The Life of the Fields by Jefferies, Richard