DETEST Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

detest

verb

di-ˈtest

Definition of detest next

as in to hate

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 It is also largely detested across the territory, especially in the refugee camps, where it is seen as a tool of Israeli authorities. —

Julia Frankel, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025 Starmer’s Labour Party detests MAGA at a cellular level. —

Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025 Read: How Bronze Age Pervert charmed the far right Bannon and Musk have been at odds since Trump’s victory: Bannon detests the influence that tech billionaires have on this administration. —

Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2025 Long loyal to Democrats, these voters often oppose Republican domestic policy and detest Mr. Trump and his elevation of far-right figures with a history of antisemitic remarks. —

Katie Glueck, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detest

Browse Nearby Words

deters

detest

detestable

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Detest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detest. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 12 Apr 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of detest

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

10 Godly Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on detest

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

liaison

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year

Popular

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of detest

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to detest

10 Godly Words

Cite this Entry

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on detest

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

liaison

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year

Popular

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Games & Quizzes