Definitions

detestable

[dih-tes-tuh-buhl] / dɪˈtɛs tə bəl /

ADJECTIVE

loathsome, abominable

Synonyms

WEAK

abhorred abhorrent accursed atrocious awful despicable disgusting execrable godawful grody gross hateable hateful heinous horrid lousy low-down maggot monstrous obnoxious odious offensive outrageous repugnant repulsive revolting rotten shocking sorry vile

Antonyms

WEAK

admirable adorable adored cherished likeable loveable prized respectable respected

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.

Sterling was truly detestable in his time, but at least he fielded a highly competitive and exciting Lob City squad led by legendary coach Doc Rivers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

"Knowing the vulgarity of the old world, today I try to avoid being listened to by the new world – so that I don't come across as detestable," he told the court.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2025

I can even appreciate the innovations it contributed to modern American music, partly because its most significant one bolsters my argument as to why it’s still sort of detestable.

From Salon • Oct. 20, 2023

Would they think that the detestable bugs had started to infest their apartments?

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2023

He didn’t suffer, as many “honest men” do, from the detestable righteousness that diminishes their virtue.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Vocabulary lists containing detestable

Romeo and Juliet

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