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

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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

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 loathe Inside, there are multiple paintings by Alec Monopoly — an artist whose depictions of Richie Rich and the Monopoly Man are commercially popular but widely loathed in the fine-art world — and a Moet & Chandon vending machine. —

Rachel Corbett, Curbed, 24 June 2026 The novel asks us to love her for her acceptance rather than to loathe her for it. —

Literary Hub, 22 June 2026 New Yorkers loathed Dolan, who was seen as a nepo hire more concerned about fronting his blues rock band, JD & The Straight Shot, than developing a winning culture. —

Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026 Adopting relegation and promotion might also prepare our major leagues to consider another soccer hallmark that Americans loathe. —

Maurice O'Sullivan, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for loathe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loathe

hate

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

Definition of hate

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loathe

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“Loathe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loathe. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of loathe

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Synonyms of loathe

verb

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Is It 'loath' or 'loathe'?

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More from Merriam-Webster on loathe

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Word of the Day

deepfake

Popular in Grammar & Usage

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

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Games & Quizzes