Synonyms of abhor

abhor

verb

əb-ˈhȯr 

as in to hate

to dislike strongly

abhors the way people leave their trash at the picnic sites in the park

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hate
• despise
• detest
• loathe
• abominate
• disdain
• deplore
• execrate
• have it in for
• disapprove (of)
• scorn
• deprecate
• discountenance
• disfavor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• love
• like
• prefer
• desire
• favor
• enjoy
• relish
• fancy
• admire
• approve (of)
• adore
• worship
• revere
• cherish
• treasure
• esteem
• idolize
• venerate
• prize
• hallow

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abhor

Listen to this article The CIF abhors pitting teams in the same league against each other in the first round of the playoffs. —John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025

Unlike other Trump aides, Ms. Wiles abhors attention and notably begged off speaking on election night when Mr. Trump summoned her to the microphone. —Elisabeth Bumiller, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025

But there is rising concern that Mr. Netanyahu might not finalize future phases of the deal in order to save his far-right coalition, whose members largely abhor that the agreement stipulates a full military withdrawal from Gaza. —Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025

A lot of people who sympathize with Mangione’s apparent outlook would abhor the deed he is alleged to have committed. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 10 Dec. 2024

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