Dislike: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is appropriate for mild or casual negative feelings towards something or someone. It is not as strong or intense as other synonyms.

• I dislike waking up early.
• She dislikes spicy food.

This is a strong and common word for expressing intense dislike or annoyance, applicable to both people and things.

• I hate being late.
• They hate each other.

Use this word to express strong dislike or hatred, but it is more about personal feelings and less formal than 'abhor'.

• He detests doing the laundry.
• She detests arrogance.

This word conveys strong negative feelings and a sense of contempt or scorn. It is often directed at people, beliefs, or actions.

• She despises liars.
• I despise their narrow-minded attitude.

Use this word in formal contexts to express strong disgust or hatred, often towards actions, behaviors, or concepts rather than people.

• He abhors violence in any form.
• They abhor injustice and corruption.

This word represents intense dislike or disgust, and is often less commonly used in everyday conversation than 'hate' or 'dislike'.

• She loathes the taste of broccoli.
• He loathes dishonesty.

Use 'dislike' for general, mild negative feelings towards someone or something.

• I dislike noisy places
• She dislikes eating broccoli

Use 'aversion' to describe a strong feeling of dislike or unwillingness, often causing avoidance.

• He has an aversion to spiders
• Her aversion to conflict makes her avoid arguments

Use 'animosity' to describe deep-seated, often long-standing hostility or antagonism towards someone.

• There was a lot of animosity between the two rival teams
• His animosity towards his former boss was evident

Use 'antipathy' to express a strong, instinctive aversion or settled dislike.

• She felt an immediate antipathy towards the new manager
• The decision sparked antipathy among the employees

Use 'displeasure' to indicate mild to moderate dissatisfaction or annoyance.

• He expressed his displeasure with the service
• Her tone revealed her displeasure at the decision

Use 'disdain' to convey a sense of superiority and disrespectful scorn towards someone or something.

• She looked at the messy room with disdain
• He showed his disdain for the project by refusing to work on it