DETESTABLE Synonyms: 83 Similar and Opposite Words

detestable

adjective

di-ˈte-stə-bəl

Definition of detestable

as in vile

not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency the detestable actions of a nasty little man

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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 detestable Since season 1, Steve has evolved from detestable jock to one of the series’ most beloved and protective figures. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025 But the context, circumstances and lack of reflection made his this detestable being. — John Hopewell, Variety, 25 Aug. 2025 But a wave of summer shows were canceled in response, with conservative leader Kemi Badenoch—a uniquely detestable political figure in a country that perfected the form—calling on Glastonbury to remove the band from this year’s bill. — Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025 Naturally, after Mary is taken hostage by Ronald’s detestable rival Jeff, the physical prowess that had eluded him all movie emerges in his time of need. — Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for detestable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for detestable

Adjective

Disgusted that any adult would ever consider exploiting a child in such a vile and predatory way.

— Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
His tenure came to an end when video surfaced of a drunken Galliano berating other customers at a Paris bar with vile antisemitic insults.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of vile

Adjective

This tension is often subtext enough, and it’s accentuated by cinematographer Adric Watson’s tight and dirty frames, which confine Maya and Arti through astute visual composition, as the reality of their cushy lives is gradually illuminated.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Traction pods along the sneaker’s outsole make the shoe grippy on wet ground and durable enough to handle dirty trails and some rocky terrain.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of dirty

Adjective

Those tempers were not helped by the nasty collision between Guehi and Veiga just before the break, as the Englishman clattered into the midfielder in attempt to head the ball away.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
His nasty spirit comes unstuck from the grave when Antonia, the brown-haired Millennial witch, works a wonky raise-the-dead spell directed at her late great aunt.

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of nasty

Adjective

Like her, Americans are also so tired of being screwed by an administration that’s not only grossly incompetent and cruel but corrupt as well.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Rather than heroic, these costly and horribly uncertain stunts come across callous and cruel.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of cruel

Adjective

The scandal rocked the Cry Babies, prompting some to give the singer a new nickname, Felony Martinez, while inciting the majority to pile in against Timothy and dismiss her story as contemptible lies.

— Matt Thompson, SPIN, 13 July 2026
Most people in the anglosphere don’t follow this region, and those who do get their opinions from a small number of people with a contemptible worldview.

— Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 8 Apr. 2026

Definition of contemptible

Adjective

The fact that Van Hollen publicly and enthusiastically supported Graham Platner, despite all of his despicable activity, is an embarrassment to the entire state of Maryland.

— Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2026
Plus, Palmer is a horrible person — in this case, the victim is much more despicable than the thieves.

— Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2026

Definition of despicable

Adjective

These shortages increase costs and a vicious cycle for folks who need a rung.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
Nobody comes off well; if anything, the snooty German Jews almost seem more vicious than the right-wing plotters, who are presented as mercenary and power-hungry rather than ideological.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of vicious

Browse Nearby Words

detest

detestable

detestableness

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“Detestable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detestable. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of detestable

adjective

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