Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abhor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abhor are abominate, detest, hate, and loathe. While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance.

a crime abhorred by all

When can abominate be used instead of abhor?

In some situations, the words abominate and abhor are roughly equivalent. However, abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation.

abominates all forms of violence

When could detest be used to replace abhor?

The words detest and abhor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, detest suggests violent antipathy.

detests cowards

In what contexts can hate take the place of abhor?

Although the words hate and abhor have much in common, hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice.

hated the enemy with a passion

When would loathe be a good substitute for abhor?

The synonyms loathe and abhor are sometimes interchangeable, but loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance.

loathed the mere sight of them

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 abhor Duterte restored much of the opacity Aquino abhorred. William Pesek, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 Just as nature abhors a vacuum, the Chinese political system abhors genuine democracy and presses its leaders toward dictatorship. Andrew J. Nathan, Foreign Affairs, 30 May 2019 Although foreign policy experts from both political parties defend the system, the Trump administration’s core supporters abhor it. Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2020 This is the ultimate dysfunctional family story, about a circus troupe whose members abhor normalcy to such a degree that the parents intentionally breed a family of sideshow freaks. The Week Us, theweek, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abhor 

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Cite this Entry

“Abhor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abhor. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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