abhorrent

adjective ab·hor·rent \ -ənt \

Definition of abhorrent

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

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Recent Examples of abhorrent from the Web

His shaved head, foul mouth, abhorrent views, and extensive arsenal distilled for many the most frightening elements of a resurgent white-supremacist movement.

— christopher d. cantwell, The Atlantic, "The Digitally Entangled Lives of Two Christopher Cantwells," 29 Aug. 2017
The views of white nationalists, neo-Nazis and other racist bigots are totally abhorrent to the American ideal.

— maria danlova, The Seattle Times, "In letter to staff, DeVos condemns Charlottesville violence," 17 Aug. 2017
His behavior is abhorrent — and fans want nothing more than for Jessica to stay away from him.

— christopher rosa, Glamour, "'13 Reasons Why' Fans Call Out the Show for Praising Jessica and Justin's Toxic Relationship," 20 July 2017
But that hasn’t stopped us from criticizing his abhorrent behavior or worrying about his fitness.

— michael zennie, PEOPLE.com, "Mika and Joe Hit Back: Morning Joe Hosts Question Trump's Mental Stability and Say He Should Stop Watching Their Show," 30 June 2017
The content of Mr. Muhtorov's conversations with (alleged accomplice) Mr. Jumaev are abhorrent, the videos and pictures on his phone revolting.

— chandrika narayan, CNN, "Terror suspect to be released on bail after 5 years without trial," 26 June 2017
That call was reprehensible, and any such suggestion is abhorrent and wholly contrary to Trinity’s values.

— michael harriot, The Root, "College Campus Shut Down After Professor’s #LetThemFuckingDie Hashtag Scares White People," 22 June 2017
The promise of freedom was so strong, and the thought of remaining in slavery so abhorrent, that these considerations ultimately convinced the men to join Smalls.

— cate lineberry, Smithsonian, "The Thrilling Tale of How Robert Smalls Seized a Confederate Ship and Sailed it to Freedom," 13 June 2017
Not tolerated, for good reason, will be abhorrent demonstrations, such as throat-slashing.

— nick canepa, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Player celebrations are nice, but not reason fans watch NFL," 27 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'abhorrent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of abhorrent

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

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First Known Use: 1599

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abhorrent Synonyms

Synonyms

offensive, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful, evil, foul, fulsome, gross, hideous, horrendous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, nauseous, noisome, noxious, obnoxious, obscene, odious, rancid, repellent (also repellant), repugnant, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly

Antonyms

innocuous, inoffensive

Near Antonyms

acceptable, agreeable, alluring, appealing, attractive, blessed (also blest), congenial, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, desirable, dreamy, dulcet, enjoyable, felicitous, gratifying, heavenly, inviting, likable (or likeable), luscious, nice, palatable, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, savory (also savoury), sweet, welcome; unexceptionable, unobjectionable; healthful, healthy, restorative, salubrious, salutary, wholesome

ABHORRENT Defined for Kids

abhorrent

adjective ab·hor·rent \ ab-ˈhȯr-ənt \

Definition of abhorrent for Students

:causing or deserving strong dislike

an abhorrent crime

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See words that rhyme with abhorrent Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for abhorrent Spanish Central: Translation of abhorrent Nglish: Translation of abhorrent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of abhorrent for Arabic speakers

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abhorrent

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