detest crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "detest" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "detest crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HATE: A very common and direct synonym for detest, meaning to feel intense dislike or aversion for.
5 Letters
ABHOR: To regard with disgust and hatred, often used in more formal contexts than 'hate'.
SCORN: To feel or express contempt or derision for, often implying a feeling of superiority.
6 Letters
LOATHE: To feel intense dislike or disgust for, similar in intensity to 'hate' but often with a stronger sense of revulsion.
7 Letters
DESPISE: To feel contempt or a deep repugnance for, often with a sense of looking down on something or someone.
More About "detest crossword clue"
The word "detest" is a strong verb indicating intense dislike, loathing, or hatred. In crosswords, it's a frequently used clue due to its clear meaning and numerous straightforward synonyms. Crossword constructors often rely on words like "detest" to provide solid, unambiguous clues that lead to common vocabulary words. Understanding these core synonyms is key to mastering many puzzles.
Clues for "detest" rarely involve wordplay beyond direct synonymity, making them relatively easy to solve once you have a few crossing letters. The challenge usually lies in recalling the exact word length needed for your particular grid. Familiarity with the most common synonyms such as HATE, LOATHE, ABHOR, DESPISE, and SCORN will greatly improve your solving speed when encountering this clue.
Beyond its literal meaning, "detest" carries a strong emotional weight, which can sometimes be subtly hinted at in a longer clue phrase, though for standard crosswords, it's typically a direct call for a synonym of intense dislike.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by checking the number of boxes available for the answer. This is the most crucial step for a clue like "detest," as multiple synonyms exist with different lengths.
- Consider Common Synonyms: For strong emotion words like "detest," there are usually a handful of go-to answers. Memorize the common ones (HATE, LOATHE, ABHOR, DESPISE) and their lengths.
- Use Crossing Letters: If multiple synonyms fit the letter count (e.g., ABHOR and SCORN are both 5 letters), wait for intersecting clues to provide confirming letters. This will narrow down the possibilities.
- Think About Nuance (Rarely): While "detest" clues are usually direct, sometimes a longer clue might imply a subtle nuance. For example, "detest with contempt" might lean more towards SCORN or DESPISE.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'detest' typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'detest' almost always refers to a strong feeling of dislike or hatred. Clues involving 'detest' are straightforward synonyms for words like 'hate', 'loathe', or 'abhor'. They often test your vocabulary for synonyms of intense negative emotions.
Are there common synonyms for 'detest' that frequently appear in crosswords?
Yes, several synonyms for 'detest' are very common in crosswords. These include HATE, LOATHE, ABHOR, DESPISE, and SCORN. The specific answer will depend on the number of letters required for the puzzle, so always check the grid!
How do I choose the correct answer when multiple options fit the 'detest' clue?
When multiple words fit 'detest' (e.g., ABHOR and SCORN are both 5 letters), you need to use crossing letters from other solved clues. The letters that intersect with your potential answer will confirm which word is correct for that specific puzzle. Sometimes, a subtle nuance in the clue's phrasing might also hint at the precise synonym, though this is less common for 'detest'.