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

Absolutely loathed at the time of its release, Kubrick’s Stephen King adaptation was seen by many in the industry as final proof that the director had completely lost his touch. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025

Only one in the top 10 is in Tarrant County, that stretch of Interstate 35W between I-30 and State Highway 183 that commuters heading to and from downtown Fort Worth know and loathe. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Dec. 2025

After all, the Democrats’ policies, with their focus on dialogue, not confrontation, brought the regime that Miami’s Cubans loathe closer to the United States. —Abraham Jiménez Enoa, The Dial, 9 Dec. 2025

Overall, polling suggests most drivers want better mileage and tougher standards; most truckers want clean air but loathe aggressive diesel and EV mandates. —Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025