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

Examples of loathe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Among those who loathe sharks is the forty-fifth President of the United States. —

Katherine Rundell, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024 Southwest Airlines is doing away with its open seating policy that is loved by loyalists and loathed by others. —

Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 25 July 2024 Business leaders similarly loathed Trump’s anti-immigration policies. —

Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 20 July 2024 The Heat loathes rebuilding about as much as South Florida drivers loathe fighting I-95 rush hour traffic. —

Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for loathe

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loathe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Loathe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loathe. Accessed 16 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 25 Aug 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of loathe

verb

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