Synonyms of abominate

abominate

verb

ə-ˈbä-mə-ˌnāt 

as in to hate

to dislike strongly

he abominates the sight of the park he once loved being turned into a parking lot

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hate
• despise
• detest
• abhor
• loathe
• execrate
• disdain
• have it in for
• disapprove (of)
• deprecate
• scorn
• discountenance
• deplore
• disfavor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• love
• like
• prefer
• desire
• favor
• enjoy
• relish
• fancy
• admire
• approve (of)
• worship
• adore
• esteem
• revere
• treasure
• cherish
• prize
• venerate
• idolize
• hallow

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abominate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abominate are abhor, detest, hate, and loathe. While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation.

abominates all forms of violence

When could abhor be used to replace abominate?

The words abhor and abominate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance.

a crime abhorred by all

When might detest be a better fit than abominate?

The meanings of detest and abominate largely overlap; however, detest suggests violent antipathy.

detests cowards

Where would hate be a reasonable alternative to abominate?

The words hate and abominate can be used in similar contexts, but hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice.

hated the enemy with a passion

When is loathe a more appropriate choice than abominate?

While the synonyms loathe and abominate are close in meaning, loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance.

loathed the mere sight of them

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abominate

And there is nothing more deflating than watching someone who has put his foot wrong in this culture subject himself to performative self-criticism, abominating himself as a bearer of privilege. —Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 2 July 2019