ABHOR Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of abhor are abominate , detest , hate , and loathe . While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance. // a crime abhorred by all

Q: When can 'abominate' be used instead of 'abhor'?

In some situations, the words abominate and abhor are roughly equivalent. However, abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation. // abominates all forms of violence

Q: When could 'detest' be used to replace 'abhor'?

The words detest and abhor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, detest suggests violent antipathy. // detests cowards

Q: In what contexts can 'hate' take the place of 'abhor'?

Although the words hate and abhor have much in common, hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice. // hated the enemy with a passion

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

The synonyms loathe and abhor are sometimes interchangeable, but loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance. // loathed the mere sight of them

abhor

verb

əb-ˈhȯr

Definition of abhor next

as in to hate

to dislike strongly abhors the way people leave their trash at the picnic sites in the park

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How does the verb abhor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abhor are abominate, detest, hate, and loathe. While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance.

a crime abhorred by all

When can abominate be used instead of abhor?

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

abominates all forms of violence

When could detest be used to replace abhor?

The words detest and abhor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, detest suggests violent antipathy.

detests cowards

In what contexts can hate take the place of abhor?

Although the words hate and abhor have much in common, hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice.

hated the enemy with a passion

When would loathe be a good substitute for abhor?

The synonyms loathe and abhor are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 abhor Like Curtis Yarvin and other neo-reactionaries, Land abhors democracy. —

James Duesterberg, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026 Some of them support the prime minister’s nationalistic agenda, whereas others abhor it. —

Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025 But nature abhors a vacuum, and the existence of Oscars-race heroes necessitates Oscars villains. —

Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025 The South Korean people may love the United States more than ever, but their government abhors us. —

Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abhor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abhor

Verb

The astronauts famously hated the bagged-poop approach.

— Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
And what little that gets done is highly partisan and generally hated by the other side and is then attacked relentlessly when the other side regains power.

— Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026

Definition of hate

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abeyant

abhor

abhorred

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“Abhor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abhor. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of abhor

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