detest

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

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 Wisconsin voters also will be asked April 1 to weigh in on a constitutional amendment to enshrine the state’s photo ID requirement to vote, something Republicans generally want and Democrats generally detest. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025 So, while there is no question that the estate tax is detested by perhaps everyone in the country (other than the obvious, estate planners themselves), there may be a lot of spin in the arguments for its repeal. Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 Charlie Kirk is the right’s new kingmaker In many cases, the two factions detest wokeness in the same specific ways. Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025 Schiele detested military service and wrote to many contacts seeking escape. Nina Siegal, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detest
hate
Verb
  • The house was built for folks who, well, clearly hate other folks intruding on their space.
    TJ Macias, Kansas City Star, 24 May 2025
  • Diddy, like him or hate him, had a very successful music career.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Detest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detest. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

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