ABHOR Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'abhor' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abhor are abominate , detest , hate , and loathe . While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance. // a crime abhorred by all

Q: When can 'abominate' be used instead of 'abhor'?

In some situations, the words abominate and abhor are roughly equivalent. However, abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation. // abominates all forms of violence

Q: When could 'detest' be used to replace 'abhor'?

The words detest and abhor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, detest suggests violent antipathy. // detests cowards

Q: In what contexts can 'hate' take the place of 'abhor'?

Although the words hate and abhor have much in common, hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice. // hated the enemy with a passion

Q: When would 'loathe' be a good substitute for 'abhor'?

The synonyms loathe and abhor are sometimes interchangeable, but loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance. // loathed the mere sight of them

abhor

verb

əb-ˈhȯr

Definition of abhor next

as in to hate

to dislike strongly abhors the way people leave their trash at the picnic sites in the park

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abhor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abhor are abominate, detest, hate, and loathe. While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance.

a crime abhorred by all

When can abominate be used instead of abhor?

In some situations, the words abominate and abhor are roughly equivalent. However, abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation.

abominates all forms of violence

When could detest be used to replace abhor?

The words detest and abhor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, detest suggests violent antipathy.

detests cowards

In what contexts can hate take the place of abhor?

Although the words hate and abhor have much in common, hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice.

hated the enemy with a passion

When would loathe be a good substitute for abhor?

The synonyms loathe and abhor are sometimes interchangeable, but loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance.

loathed the mere sight of them

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 abhor Mertz abhors food waste, down to the micro level. —

Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026 The problem is, the internet abhors a vacuum. —

Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026 Crime abhors a vacuum, and in Tommy’s absence, the Peaky Blinders gang has reformed under the aegis of his sociopathic illegitimate son Duke (Barry Keoghan). —

Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2026 Like Curtis Yarvin and other neo-reactionaries, Land abhors democracy. —

James Duesterberg, New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abhor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abhor

Verb

And like Limbaugh, who built himself from a radio shock jock to a media titan by feeding listeners’ grievances, Fuentes tells his audience a story that encourages them to channel their anxieties and frustrations into disdain and hate for women and non-white people.

— Donie O'Sullivan, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
Many of their performances are blasphemous, and their work only displays hate and mockery of Catholics and the Christian faith.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026