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 Vonnegut contends that, while America is the wealthiest country, many of its citizens live in poverty and are taught to detest themselves for it. —

Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 With a price tag of about $600, Denarius is Liber Pater’s less-expensive label, commonly called a second wine, though Pasquet detests the term. —

Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2024 And, to extend the analogy further, the popular idea that Melania, like Shelly, detests her unfaithful and boorish husband misses the more straightforward reading that both couples are still married and likely share each other’s points of view. —

Scott Tobias, Vulture, 2 July 2024 Also: The aliens absolutely detest the sight of the numbers 3, 8 and 9, which appear similar to offensive symbols in their language. —

Sean McIndoe, The Athletic, 12 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for detest