DETEST Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'detest' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of detest are abhor , abominate , hate , and loathe . While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," detest suggests violent antipathy. // detests cowards

Q: When is 'abhor' a more appropriate choice than 'detest'?

The words abhor and detest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance. // a crime abhorred by all

Q: When might 'abominate' be a better fit than 'detest'?

The synonyms abominate and detest are sometimes interchangeable, but abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation. // abominates all forms of violence

Q: In what contexts can 'hate' take the place of 'detest'?

While in some cases nearly identical to detest , hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice. // hated the enemy with a passion

Q: Where would 'loathe' be a reasonable alternative to 'detest'?

In some situations, the words loathe and detest are roughly equivalent. However, loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance. // loathed the mere sight of them

detest

verb

di-ˈtest

Definition of detest next

as in to hate

to dislike strongly I detest pepperoni, and wouldn't eat it if you paid me!

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How does the verb detest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of detest are abhor, abominate, hate, and loathe. While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," detest suggests violent antipathy.

detests cowards

When is abhor a more appropriate choice than detest?

The words abhor and detest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance.

a crime abhorred by all

When might abominate be a better fit than detest?

The synonyms abominate and detest are sometimes interchangeable, but abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation.

abominates all forms of violence

In what contexts can hate take the place of detest?

While in some cases nearly identical to detest, hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice.

hated the enemy with a passion

Where would loathe be a reasonable alternative to detest?

In some situations, the words loathe and detest are roughly equivalent. However, 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 detest Joe Biden and Donald Trump — who plainly detest each other — wouldn’t deign to shake hands. —

Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024 The narrator detests Gregory’s music tastes, his artistic opinions, and, after sufficient exposure, his charm. —

Daniel Felsenthal, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024 Contrary to the once-prevailing wisdom that people detest friction in their digital experiences, recent data shows that 8 in 10 consumers now welcome additional security measures to safeguard their digital assets. —

Christophe Van De Weyer, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Chechnya could easily blow up if Kadyrov is replaced in a local palace coup or assassinated by the Russian secret service, which reputedly detests him. —

Alexander J. Motyl, Foreign Affairs, 27 Jan. 2016 See all Example Sentences for detest