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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

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Recent Examples of abhor 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 Some of them support the prime minister’s nationalistic agenda, whereas others abhor it. —

Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2025 But nature abhors a vacuum, and the existence of Oscars-race heroes necessitates Oscars villains. —

Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abhor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abhor

Verb

The guys who started this country, some of them hated each other with just as much venom and outrage and indignance as political players hate each other today.

— Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
Your cat might hate you for it, but the extra precautions can make stops and emergencies much safer.

— Cody Godwin, USA Today, 29 May 2026