loathed crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "loathed" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and improve your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "loathed crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
HATED: A direct and common synonym for 'loathed', meaning to feel intense dislike for someone or something.
7 Letters
SCORNED: Treated with open contempt or disdain, often implying a strong feeling of loathing.
8 Letters
DETESTED: Felt intense dislike or hatred for, a very close synonym often used interchangeably with loathed.
ABHORRED: Regarded with disgust and hatred, a strong and often visceral form of loathing.
DESPISED: Felt contempt or a deep repugnance for, signifying a profound sense of loathing.
More About "loathed crossword clue"
The word "loathed" conveys a powerful emotion of intense dislike or disgust. In crosswords, clues relating to emotions are very common, and words like "loathed" are particularly popular because they have a rich set of synonyms that vary in length, making them versatile for puzzle setters. Understanding the nuances between words like "hated," "detested," and "abhorred" can significantly speed up your solving process.
When you encounter a clue like "loathed," consider not just the direct synonyms but also words that describe the *act* of loathing or the *result* of being loathed. For instance, if something is loathed, it might be "SCORNED" or "REJECTED." Paying attention to the context of the clue, such as whether it's past tense or present, can also be crucial.
Often, setters will use figurative language or indirect definitions to clue such words. Keep an eye out for phrases that imply deep-seated aversion rather than a simple dislike. This depth of meaning is what makes these clues both challenging and rewarding to solve.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For emotion-based clues like "loathed," consider the intensity. Is it mild dislike or strong hatred? This helps narrow down synonyms (e.g., "disliked" vs. "abhorred").
- Check Tense and Part of Speech: Ensure your answer matches the clue's tense (e.g., past tense for "loathed") and part of speech.
- Look at Neighboring Letters: Use intersecting letters from other solved clues. This is often the quickest way to confirm a potential answer or eliminate incorrect ones.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs/Idioms: Sometimes "loathed" might be clued by an idiom or a phrasal verb that implies strong dislike, though for a direct synonym, it's less common.
- Practice with Synonyms: Familiarize yourself with a wide range of synonyms for common emotional states. Tools like a thesaurus can be very helpful for pre-puzzle study.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does 'loathed' appear in crosswords?
'Loathed' and its synonyms are quite common in crosswords due to the emotional range they cover, offering various word lengths like HATED, DESPISED, and ABHORRED. They are versatile clues for feelings of strong dislike.
Are there common alternative spellings for 'loathed'?
No, 'loathed' is consistently spelled. However, crossword setters might use less common synonyms or phrases to clue it, such as 'held in anathema' or 'regarded with odium', to make the puzzle more challenging.
What's the difference between 'loathed' and 'disliked'?
While both express negative feelings, 'loathed' implies a much stronger, often intense and visceral hatred or disgust, whereas 'disliked' is a milder form of aversion. In crosswords, this distinction can guide you to more extreme synonyms like ABHORRED rather than simply UNLIKED.