Synonyms of loathe

loathe

verb

ˈlōt͟h 

as in to hate

to dislike strongly

I simply loathe tapioca pudding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb loathe contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of loathe are abhor, abominate, detest, and hate. While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance.

loathed the mere sight of them

Where would abhor be a reasonable alternative to loathe?

While in some cases nearly identical to loathe, abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance.

a crime abhorred by all

In what contexts can abominate take the place of loathe?

In some situations, the words abominate and loathe are roughly equivalent. However, abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation.

abominates all forms of violence

When is it sensible to use detest instead of loathe?

The words detest and loathe can be used in similar contexts, but detest suggests violent antipathy.

detests cowards

When is hate a more appropriate choice than loathe?

The meanings of hate and loathe largely overlap; however, hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice.

hated the enemy with a passion

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of loathe

Professional sports teams loathe when certain types of information become public knowledge. —Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025

Sports fandom can be a powerful experience of belonging to a group, and of loathing other groups, too. —Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025

As Andrew hires a lawyer (Denzel Washington) to sue his former employer for discrimination, Hanks movingly portrays a man fighting for his life in a society that fears and loathes him. —EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025

Like Chambers, Burnham, and Buchanan, outsiders enamored of power, Trump relishes iconoclasm and rupture, seeks to upend the status quo, and loathes liberal elites and foreign-policy experts. —Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025