LOATHE Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

loathe

verb

ˈlōt͟h

Definition of loathe next

as in to hate

to dislike strongly I simply loathe tapioca pudding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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Recent Examples of loathe One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry, everything bitter is sweet. —

Paul Skrbina, The Tennessean, 27 Nov. 2024 Establishment Republicans loathe the idea of making Roy the chair of the House Rules Committee. —

Justin Green, Axios, 3 Jan. 2025 Grenell had long been loathed and even feared in some quarters of Congress for his heated rhetoric and vicious social-media attacks. —

Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2025 The outcome is a society in which the poor lack dignity and solidarity because they are caught in a system that pushes them to loathe their own situation rather than seek community assistance. —

Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loathe