Synonyms of detest

detest

verb

di-ˈtest 

as in to hate

to dislike strongly

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detest

American Jews overwhelmingly detest Hamas, of course, and a recent survey of Jewish voters by the Democratic research firm GBAO Strategies shows that a large majority are worried about antisemitism on college campuses. —Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 21 May 2025

Diehl, despite being caked in old-man make up, digs deep into Mengele’s chilling contradictions and compartmentalizations, which arrive with a nearly comedic form of self-awareness (Mengele detests the idea that he may one day be fictionalized on film), making the character seem even more pathetic. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 May 2025

Joe has always detested the wealthy, ever since Season 1, but keeps attracting them with his glowering singularity. —Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2025

Still, many fans detested playing the game as Abby, the person who kills their beloved Joel. —Eliana Dockterman, Time, 13 Apr. 2025