loathing

noun

loath·​ing ˈlō-t͟hiŋ How to pronounce loathing (audio)
Synonyms of loathing
: 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.
In Village People’s gay-empowerment lexicon this means joining a gay community, for true abolition from the slavery of societal/self-loathing cannot be achieved on one’s own. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026 What Natalie does seem driven by—more than faith, more than redirected ambition—is her instinctual loathing of other women. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026 This kernel of truth may account for why the prosopopoeia of the wine mom absorbs so much misogynist loathing from all over the political map. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 7 May 2026 Ohm, well played by Scott who can wither with you with a look, is the classic ugly American and is rude to everyone at the hotel, but those putdowns and cruelty hides his self loathing. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Loathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loathing. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

loathing

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

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