detest

Definition of detestnext

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 Use the Best Soil and Plant Properly Ferns detest compacted, heavy soil that can lead to root rot if the plant is overwatered. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2026 But audiences detested the ending, and the film's producers brought back Cryer, Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy for reshoots. Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026 Iran detests the secular Shi’a government of Azerbaijan, its close relationship with the Sunni regional power Turkey, and its cooperation with Israel, and fears the emergence of transport corridors that could bypass it and weaken its regional leverage. Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 Many of you detest the extra-innings runner rule. Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for detest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detest
Verb
  • Lulu, an 80-pound Bernedoodle, hates Independence Day.
    Dana Hedgpeth, Washington Post, 27 June 2026
  • Maybe that’s why so many on the Left seem to hate him so much.
    Michael Zais, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • The likely architect of that plot was Lyonel’s own scheming son, Larys, whom Simon openly despised.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
  • During Season 10, a newly confident Batula — who seemed to despise Cooke from the first minute of the premiere episode — appeared to be poised to launch a triumphant post-divorce arc, free at last from Cooke’s belittlement and verbal abuse.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 29 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detest. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on detest

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster