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 Greg Long was similarly loathed and demonized by the Bigfoot faithful after publication of his 2004 book, The Making of Bigfoot, which concluded that Patterson was a con artist and his film a hoax. —

Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026 As much as purists may loathe it, NCAA Tournament expansion is, as Jamie Dixon said, inevitable. —

Mac Engel march 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026 Against a Rockets team featuring his old pal Kevin Durant, against an organization that anyone who went through the salad days truly, deeply loathes, Green dialed up the intensity and put on a defensive masterclass. —

Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026 Law enforcement groups loathed it. —

Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loathe

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loathe

hate

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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loathe

loathed

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“Loathe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loathe. Accessed 5 Apr. 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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