Synonyms of loathe

loathe

verb

ˈlōt͟h 

as in to hate

to dislike strongly

I simply loathe tapioca pudding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb loathe contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of loathe are abhor, abominate, detest, and hate. While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance.

loathed the mere sight of them

Where would abhor be a reasonable alternative to loathe?

While in some cases nearly identical to loathe, abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance.

a crime abhorred by all

In what contexts can abominate take the place of loathe?

In some situations, the words abominate and loathe are roughly equivalent. However, abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation.

abominates all forms of violence

When is it sensible to use detest instead of loathe?

The words detest and loathe can be used in similar contexts, but detest suggests violent antipathy.

detests cowards

When is hate a more appropriate choice than loathe?

The meanings of hate and loathe largely overlap; however, hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice.

hated the enemy with a passion

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of loathe

Duchamp left behind a legacy that people either love or loathe. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026

Even though many Metallica fans pretended to loathe the Load albums, headbangers came out for them. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2026

Inside, there are multiple paintings by Alec Monopoly — an artist whose depictions of Richie Rich and the Monopoly Man are commercially popular but widely loathed in the fine-art world — and a Moet & Chandon vending machine. — Rachel Corbett, Curbed, 24 June 2026

The novel asks us to love her for her acceptance rather than to loathe her for it. — Literary Hub, 22 June 2026