detest crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the crossword clue "detest", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "detest crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HATE: A very common and direct synonym for detest, meaning to feel intense dislike for.
5 Letters
ABHOR: To detest or hate something very much; often implies revulsion.
SCORN: A feeling or expression of contempt or disdain; to feel detest for something considered unworthy.
6 Letters
LOATHE: To feel intense dislike or disgust for; a strong synonym for detest.
7 Letters
DESPISE: To feel contempt or a deep repugnance for; to detest with strong disapproval.
More About "detest crossword"
The clue "detest" in a crossword puzzle typically points towards words that convey a strong sense of dislike, aversion, or hatred. These are often powerful verbs or nouns that express a profound negative emotion. Crossword setters love such clues because they have a rich array of synonyms, allowing for flexibility in word length and providing a good test of a solver's vocabulary.
When you encounter "detest" or similar clues like "loathe," "abhor," or "despise," your mind should immediately jump to the spectrum of intense negative feelings. The subtle differences between these words—whether it's about disgust, contempt, or outright hatred—can sometimes be the key to fitting the correct answer into the grid.
Remember that context matters. While a direct synonym is usually the goal, sometimes the clue might be a verb in a past tense or imply an action stemming from detestation. Always check the number of letters and any intersecting words you might already have.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For emotional clues like "detest," immediately brainstorm synonyms (HATE, LOATHE, ABHOR) but also consider antonyms if the clue hinted at the opposite (e.g., "love's opposite").
- Check Letter Count First: Before you even think of an answer, count the number of blank squares. This immediately narrows down your options from all possible synonyms to only those that fit the length.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them as powerful clues. Even one correct letter can eliminate many possibilities and confirm the right answer for "detest."
- Consider Nuances of Emotion: Is it mild dislike or intense hatred? While all answers for "detest" are strong, knowing the subtle shade of meaning can sometimes help if you're torn between two options.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'detest' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'detest' is often used as a clue for synonyms meaning strong dislike, hatred, or aversion. Common answers include HATE, LOATHE, ABHOR, SCORN, or DESPISE, depending on the letter count and other intersecting letters in the puzzle.
Are 'feeling' words common in crosswords?
Yes, words describing emotions, feelings, and states of mind are very common in crosswords. They often provide opportunities for a wide range of synonyms, antonyms, or related concepts, challenging solvers to think broadly about vocabulary.
What's the difference between 'detest' and 'dislike' for a crossword clue?
While both indicate negative feelings, 'detest' implies a much stronger, often intense and passionate aversion or hatred, whereas 'dislike' is a milder form of not liking something. Crossword setters will often use the stronger word ('detest') to steer you towards more impactful synonyms like ABHOR or LOATHE, rather than just DISLIKE or AVERSE.