hateful

adjective

hate·​ful ˈhāt-fəl 

1

: full of hate : malicious

2

: deserving of or arousing hate

hatefully

ˈhāt-fə-lē 

adverb

hatefulness noun

Synonyms of hateful

• malicious
• vicious
• cruel
• nasty

Examples of hateful in a Sentence

the girl's classmates were bullying her online, sending her hateful e-mails and text messages

Recent Examples on the Web

We’re used to nasty, hateful, and sometimes violent things being said about us and even about our family. — Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 26 June 2026

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie said she was disappointed by some of the hateful comments directed at her body and her age. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 2 June 2026

Political podcasters such as Tucker Carlson peddle conspiracies and lies, and there seems to be little consequence for hateful rhetoric. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026

Social media sites used for hateful comments Pumphrey made threatening posts on the social media platform YouTube and other social media sites, according to the guilty plea. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from hate hate entry 1 + -ful -ful entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hateful

• ungrateful
• fateful
• grateful

Kids Definition

hateful

adjective

hate·​ful ˈhāt-fəl 

1

: full of hate : malicious

hateful enemies

2

: causing or deserving hate

a hateful crime

hatefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

hatefulness noun