HATE Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of hate are abhor , abominate , detest , and loathe . While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice. // hated the enemy with a passion

Q: When would 'abhor' be a good substitute for 'hate'?

The meanings of abhor and hate largely overlap; however, abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance. // a crime abhorred by all

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

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

Q: When can 'detest' be used instead of 'hate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to hate , detest suggests violent antipathy. // detests cowards

Q: When is it sensible to use 'loathe' instead of 'hate'?

While the synonyms loathe and hate are close in meaning, loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance. // loathed the mere sight of them

hate 1 of 2

verb

Definition of hate next

as in to despise

to dislike strongly she hates her job, she hates her friends, and she hates her life!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hate

2 of 2

noun

ˈhāt

as in hatred

a very strong dislike hate can sometimes be replaced with tolerance when people meet face to face

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in enemy

something or someone that is hated the Alaska pipeline is a pet hate of environmentalists

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hate are abhor, abominate, detest, and loathe. While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice.

hated the enemy with a passion

When would abhor be a good substitute for hate?

The meanings of abhor and hate largely overlap; however, abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance.

a crime abhorred by all

When might abominate be a better fit than hate?

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

abominates all forms of violence

When can detest be used instead of hate?

While in some cases nearly identical to hate, detest suggests violent antipathy.

detests cowards

When is it sensible to use loathe instead of hate?

While the synonyms loathe and hate are close in meaning, loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance.

loathed the mere sight of them

Example 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 hate

Verb

That nuance tends to get lost in the love-them-or-hate-them debate. —

Ryan Brennan may 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026 The Pros and Cons of Pebble Trays Pebble trays are great for plants that need a slight increase in humidity and for ones that hate wet feet. —

Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 29 Apr. 2026

Noun

Prosecutors said the group misled donors by using their money to pay informants who served as leaders in the very hate groups the organization was founded to fight. —

ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026 Across New York, students are already encountering hate. —

Samantha Hirsch, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hate

Verb

Meanwhile, Larysa was stuck in Belarus, a country allied with Russia that Nataliia despised and had refused to move to, despite her daughter’s many pleas.

— Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
Critics say this would come with strict reporting requirements, something dispensaries may despise and the DEA may not be ready for.

— Addy Bink, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2026