ABHOR Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'abhor' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abhor are abominate , detest , hate , and loathe . While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance. // a crime abhorred by all

Q: When can 'abominate' be used instead of 'abhor'?

In some situations, the words abominate and abhor are roughly equivalent. However, abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation. // abominates all forms of violence

Q: When could 'detest' be used to replace 'abhor'?

The words detest and abhor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, detest suggests violent antipathy. // detests cowards

Q: In what contexts can 'hate' take the place of 'abhor'?

Although the words hate and abhor have much in common, hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice. // hated the enemy with a passion

Q: When would 'loathe' be a good substitute for 'abhor'?

The synonyms loathe and abhor are sometimes interchangeable, but loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance. // loathed the mere sight of them

abhor

verb

əb-ˈhȯr

Definition of abhor

as in to hate

to dislike strongly abhors the way people leave their trash at the picnic sites in the park

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How does the verb abhor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of abhor are abominate, detest, hate, and loathe. While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance.

a crime abhorred by all

When can abominate be used instead of abhor?

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

abominates all forms of violence

When could detest be used to replace abhor?

The words detest and abhor are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, detest suggests violent antipathy.

detests cowards

In what contexts can hate take the place of abhor?

Although the words hate and abhor have much in common, hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice.

hated the enemy with a passion

When would loathe be a good substitute for abhor?

The synonyms loathe and abhor are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 abhor Then there’s Abdul El-Sayed, the progressive backed by Hasan Piker, abhorred by AIPAC, and leading the polls. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026 But nature abhors a vacuum, and into that void has stepped a revolution. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 19 May 2026 Mertz abhors food waste, down to the micro level. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026 The Replacements Nature abhors a vacuum, and so does the lending market. — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abhor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abhor

Verb

Petit laid down the law on immigration, welcoming foreigners who respect France while telling agitators who hate the nation that nobody wants them around.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
So even though Steichen hated to see his friend go, his message to the team remains simple — play to Ballard's standard by staying focused, digging deep and turning things around.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of hate

Verb

In fact, many voters in his Southern Illinois district despise him.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
For Republicans, well, there’s not much downside at all, except for those that truly despise green power or, perhaps wisely, fear increasing federal authority over local permitting matters.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of despise

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abeyant

abhor

abhorred

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“Abhor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abhor. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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