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

Trump loathes Barack Obama, and yet his strategy here seems to be exactly what Obama did, minus a few more allies, in Libya. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2026

Fleming, in fact, loathes the idea of his own podcast and the prospect of sitting and chatting endlessly about his private life for public consumption. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026

Love this shtick or loathe this shtick, you are no longer caught off guard by this shtick. —Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

The company is loathed seemingly out of proportion to what its product actually is, which is a janky, glitching interface for ChatGPT and other AI models. —Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026