loathing

noun

loath·​ing ˈlō-t͟hiŋ How to pronounce loathing (audio)
: extreme disgust : detestation
She regarded his hypocrisy with loathing.

Examples of loathing in a Sentence

She expressed her intense loathing of his hypocrisy. She regarded his hypocrisy with loathing.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
So ubiquitous is this loathing that conservative lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo recently summoned a lovebug metaphor to criticize liberal President Lee Jae-myung’s latest Cabinet-level hire, a former provincial governor who was convicted for his involvement in a political scandal in 2019. Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025 My father’s loathing for the Catholic Church is complete and uncomplicated. Hazlitt, 11 June 2025 Is mutual loathing the natural state of affairs between reporters and a mayor? Eric Lach, New Yorker, 8 June 2025 The unifying principle is ideological loathing of the defendants. Jason Isaac, Oc Register, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for loathing

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loathing was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loathing. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

loathing

noun
loath·​ing
ˈlō-t͟hiŋ
: very great dislike : extreme disgust

More from Merriam-Webster on loathing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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