detest

[dih-test] / dɪˈtɛst /

VERB

hate; feel disgust toward

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abhor despise loathe

STRONG

abominate execrate reject repudiate

WEAK

be allergic to dislike intensely down on feel aversion toward feel hostility toward feel repugnance toward have no use for recoil from

Antonyms

STRONGEST

admire cherish like love

STRONG

approve

WEAK

adore prize respect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Among the attributes of Lena Dunham that her detractors detest is the quality of her voice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Not only does the Korean magnate understandably detest that style, she has no love for Lindsay either.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

Carey shares that he used to detest wealthy people, before laughing and noting the irony — his career has made him rich.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2025

Not only do the Fremen detest colonizers mining their planet for spice and often attack them, the mining operation is also a dangerous activity in and of itself.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 27, 2024

I detest most intensely the set-up that surrounds me here.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing detest

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List 1

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