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

The win of the vile film NZA [sic] at the Venice Festival is shocking.

— Tom Tapp, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2026
Kiju looked at me, took my hand, and walked around the woman and out into the night air as those inside gasped and moved to help the vile woman.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of vile

Adjective

At almost any hour, someone is settling in for a caffeine fix, a glass of wine, or one more dirty martini.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
Muddy kids’ clothes, workwear or especially dirty towels can benefit from the extra thermal energy that helps detergent loosen and lift ground-in soil.

— Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of dirty

Adjective

Rather, the couple’s beloved dog, Lena, was up all night with a nasty case of diarrhea.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2026
The latest special guest stars Este Haim as the mysterious Hallow's Eve, a villainess who wants to ruin Halloween forever by playing nasty tricks on kids out looking for candy.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of nasty

Adjective

In the book, MacLachlan recalls being utterly dumbfounded at having been asked to do something so oblivious at best and cruel at worst.

— Rachel Brodsky, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Many of them, including Ned and his childhood friend and rival, Roland, are scarred by their time as youth players, haunted by memories of the sadistic coaches and cruel, competitive fathers who terrorized them both on and off the court.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 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

The film focuses on a psychological experiment that Kaczynski was part of in college, where he was subjected to vicious personal attacks.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026
In the clip, an 11-year-old Breakers player can be seen skating up the ice before delivering a vicious, two-handed slash to the head of a Kings player.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 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 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of detestable

adjective

Example Sentences

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