Synonyms of detest

detest

verb

di-ˈtest 

as in to hate

to dislike strongly

I detest pepperoni, and wouldn't eat it if you paid me!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb detest contrast with its synonyms?

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

detests cowards

When is abhor a more appropriate choice than detest?

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

a crime abhorred by all

When might abominate be a better fit than detest?

The synonyms abominate and detest are sometimes interchangeable, but abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation.

abominates all forms of violence

In what contexts can hate take the place of detest?

While in some cases nearly identical to detest, hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice.

hated the enemy with a passion

Where would loathe be a reasonable alternative to detest?

In some situations, the words loathe and detest are roughly equivalent. However, loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance.

loathed the mere sight of them

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of detest

Garlic and Onion Unlike most humans, rats detest the smell of onions and garlic. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Sep. 2025

Goldberg famously openly detests specific topics at the Hot Topics table. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2025

Black South Africans detested the Springboks as a symbol of the brutally violent, repressive apartheid regime. —Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Republicans detest the idea of spending billions of dollars to shore up the Affordable Care Act. —Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025