loathe

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

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 loathe This all sparks something important in Snow White and thus something the Evil Queen loathes. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2025 Indeed, much of what Newsom talked about was immediately cheered by the very partisans who usually loathe him. Lanhee J. Chen, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025 That leaves the party with a combustible combination of entrenched elites presiding over a rank-and-file cohort that loathes both Donald Trump and their own party. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025 Now, many of those same neutral fans have instead come to loathe the Chiefs. Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loathe

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Cite this Entry

“Loathe.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loathe. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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