abhorrent

adjective

ab·​hor·​rent əb-ˈhȯr-ənt 

-ˈhär-, 

ab-

1

: causing or deserving strong dislike or hatred : being so repugnant as to stir up positive antagonism

acts abhorrent to every right-minded person

2

: not agreeable : contrary

a notion abhorrent to their philosophy

3

a

: feeling or showing strong dislike or hatred

b

archaic : strongly opposed

abhorrently adverb

Synonyms of abhorrent

• disgusting
• awful
• horrible
• ugly
• sickening
• hideous
• shocking
• obnoxious
• obscene
• offensive
• dreadful

Examples of abhorrent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These racist, sexist and abhorrent comments absolutely do not reflect the values of the Massachusetts State Police and are not tolerated within our ranks. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 4 June 2026

Pitt was having an abhorrent season, sitting at 4-7 and playing for nothing but pride after being eliminated from bowl game consideration the week prior. —Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026

To learn that zoos will be trafficking the sloths to other zoos and be used in breeding is abhorrent. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026

Halley Tejada has been sentenced to a sentence of 20-years-to-life in state prison for his abhorrent and fatal conduct. —Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin abhorrent-, abhorrens, present participle of abhorrēre "to abhor"

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Rhymes for abhorrent

• torrent
• warrant

Kids Definition

abhorrent

adjective

ab·​hor·​rent əb-ˈhȯr-ənt 

-ˈhär-, 

ab-

1

: causing or deserving strong dislike

2

: not agreeable : contrary

a notion abhorrent to their beliefs

abhorrently adverb