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

Fuentes and his hateful mob — along with the rest of the world — are still waiting for the segment to air on CNN. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026

While some commenters may argue that even their most hateful and vile statements are protected by freedom of expression principles, this may not be true, because private corporations that host comment spaces do not have to allow all types of speech. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026

While Kirk was praised by conservatives as a champion of free speech, he was also criticized for comments that many other Americans found hateful toward LGBTQ+ communities, non-Christians, people of color and women. —ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026

Sheikali's case In March 2025, Sheikali's phone flooded with hateful messages. —Mikayla Price, CBS News, 13 Apr. 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