detest

verb

di-ˈtest How to pronounce detest (audio)
Definition of detestnext
as in to hate
to dislike strongly I detest pepperoni, and wouldn't eat it if you paid me!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb detest contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of detest are abhor, abominate, hate, and loathe. While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," detest suggests violent antipathy.

detests cowards

When is abhor a more appropriate choice than detest?

The words abhor and detest are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance.

a crime abhorred by all

When might abominate be a better fit than detest?

The synonyms abominate and detest are sometimes interchangeable, but abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation.

abominates all forms of violence

In what contexts can hate take the place of detest?

While in some cases nearly identical to detest, hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice.

hated the enemy with a passion

Where would loathe be a reasonable alternative to detest?

In some situations, the words loathe and detest are roughly equivalent. However, loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance.

loathed the mere sight of them

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 detest Everyone can find something in the Iran treaty proposal to detest. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026 Sunday, albeit indirectly, Tampa Bay played a role in Florida acquiring Brady Tkachuk from Ottawa, reuniting him with younger brother Matthew to form a pairing Lightning fans will be detesting for at least the next two seasons. — Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2026 Mami hates my mullet, truly detests it. — Joseph Trinidad, Longreads, 16 June 2026 Use the Best Soil and Plant Properly Ferns detest compacted, heavy soil that can lead to root rot if the plant is overwatered. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for detest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detest
  1. hate
  2. despise
Verb
  • Even Cubs-hating Sox fans had to marvel at the performance of Crow-Armstrong, whose three home runs stole the show and helped his MVP cause.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Love them or hate them, data centers are now an election issue Receive an Apple push alert about spyware?
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of hate
Verb
  • Those of us who despise Trumpism too rarely asked ourselves whether Trump’s efforts to conceal an apparently consensual relationship with Stormy Daniels were the proper grounds for prosecution.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Overnight, this 54-year-old Southern Californian began dealing with acid reflux, random bloating, constipation, and a rebelling digestive system that suddenly despised her favorite foods.
    — Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of despise

Browse Nearby Words

deters
detest
detestable
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Cite this Entry

“Detest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detest. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on detest

Nglish: Translation of detest for Spanish Speakers

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