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

Yes, even detestable speech of that kind should remain as free as possible.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2024

After Charles' execution in 1649, England's Crown Jewels were melted down or sold on the orders of the republican revolutionary Oliver Cromwell as representative of the "detestable rule of kings".

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2023

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

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2023

The main obstacle for the diffusion process being developed by Urey was its reliance on uranium hexafluoride gas, the detestable “hex,” which lived up to its nickname by severely corroding every permeable barrier Urey tried.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Vocabulary lists containing detestable

Romeo and Juliet

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