Detestable — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /di-ˈte-stə-bəl/ de·test·able

Meaning & Definition of Detestable

Detestable (adjective)

  1. arousing or meriting intense dislike, abominable

Detestable (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency

    "the detestable actions of a nasty little man"

    similar: base, contemptible, currish, despicable, dirty, dishonorable, execrable, ignoble, ignominious, low, low-down, low-minded, mean, nasty, paltry, snide, sordid, vile, wretched
    related: bad, evil, foul, immoral, iniquitous, miscreant, wicked, wrong, cruel, vicious, blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible, corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, perverted, atrocious, villainous, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous, discreditable, disgraceful, disreputable, shameful, unworthy
    opposite: high, high-minded, honorable, lofty, noble, straight, upright, venerable, virtuous
    near: ethical, honest, just, principled, righteous, right-minded, scrupulous, commendable, excellent, exemplary, good, moral, right, decent, proper, reputable, respectable, seemly, blameless, guiltless, incorruptible, irreproachable, uncorrupted, unerring

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Detestable

The most common words with a similar meaning to Detestable:

base, contemptible, currish, despicable, dirty, dishonorable, execrable, ignoble, ignominious, low, low-down, low-minded, mean, nasty, paltry, snide, sordid, vile, wretched

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Detestable

Words with the opposite meaning of Detestable:

high, high-minded, honorable, lofty, noble, straight, upright, venerable, virtuous

Related Words for Detestable

bad, evil, foul, immoral, iniquitous, miscreant, wicked, wrong, cruel, vicious, blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible, corrupt, debased, debauched, degenerate, depraved, dissolute, perverted, atrocious, villainous, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous, discreditable, disgraceful, disreputable, shameful

Near Antonyms of Detestable

ethical, honest, just, principled, righteous, right-minded, scrupulous, commendable, excellent, exemplary, good, moral, right, decent, proper, reputable, respectable, seemly, blameless, guiltless, incorruptible, irreproachable, uncorrupted, unerring

Word Forms of Detestable

Derived words: detestableness (noun), detestably (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Detestable

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Detestable

What does "Detestable" mean?

"Detestable" means arousing or meriting intense dislike, abominable. As an adjective, it is defined as: arousing or meriting intense dislike, abominable.

What is another word for "Detestable"?

Other words for "Detestable" include base, contemptible, currish, despicable, dirty, dishonorable, execrable and ignoble. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Detestable" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Detestable"?

There are 50 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Detestable". Common alternatives include base, contemptible, currish, despicable, dirty, dishonorable, execrable, ignoble, ignominious and low.

What is the opposite of "Detestable"?

Antonyms of "Detestable" include high, high-minded, honorable, lofty, noble, straight, upright and venerable. Near antonyms include ethical, honest, just and principled.

How do you use "Detestable" in a sentence?

Examples of "Detestable" in a sentence: "the detestable actions of a nasty little man".

Is "Detestable" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Detestable" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Detestable"?

"Detestable" is pronounced /di-ˈte-stə-bəl/ and divided into syllables as de·test·able.

What is the origin of the word "Detestable"?

First known use: 15th century.