1
as in curse
a prayer that harm will come to someone
uttered an anathema before driving the would-be robber from the his shop
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in enemy
something or someone that is hated
the use of animals in the testing of cosmetics is anathema to animal-rights activists
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anathema
At the moment, democracy promotion is anathema in Washington.
—
Omar G. Encarnación, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2025
While moderate by Western standards, such sentiments remain anathema to Thailand’s ruling elite, and judging by the fate of the progressive movement’s previous leadership, Natthaphong knows any intention to reform this paramount institution paints an enormous target on his back.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
The Socialists want to tax the rich and roll back Macron’s tax cuts for businesses, demands that are anathema to the right.
—Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Cheating in any way, at anything, was anathema to him.
—Larry David, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anathema
Omar G. Encarnación, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2025
While moderate by Western standards, such sentiments remain anathema to Thailand’s ruling elite, and judging by the fate of the progressive movement’s previous leadership, Natthaphong knows any intention to reform this paramount institution paints an enormous target on his back.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Sep. 2025
The Socialists want to tax the rich and roll back Macron’s tax cuts for businesses, demands that are anathema to the right.
—Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Cheating in any way, at anything, was anathema to him.
—Larry David, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anathema
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anathema
Noun
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Based on Gege Akutami’s manga, the film follows Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru, two sorcerers tasked with protecting Amanai Riko, a student chosen as the Star Plasma Vessel, while being pursued by curse users and a religious cult.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
20 Oct. 2025
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The Machine is both an old idea and a modern curse.—
Cal Revely-Calder,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
What to Do About Leaves Fallen leaves are a friend or an enemy to the home lawn, depending on how they are managed.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Oct. 2025
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Only three of his 157 passes this year have wound up in enemy hands, which is not very promising for a 49ers defense that’s gone an NFL-record 13 straight games without an interception.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
No one should have to experience hate or bullying.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
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In Pullman’s world, evil is overcome by people choosing truth over lies, action over apathy and empathy over hate, every single day.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The tale of the Navidson family and friends exploring their eldritch abomination of a house features death and survival horror alongside impossible architecture and geometry.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
14 Oct. 2025
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Cast aside as an abomination, Karloff’s gentle giant only craves an intimate connection with someone else.—
Samantha Allen,
Them.,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Rather than attracting qualified applicants who want to serve in federal law enforcement, ICE may be appealing to people with antipathy toward immigrants, or who see themselves as helping defend the U.S. from demographic changes.—
Raul A. Reyes,
Mercury News,
11 Oct. 2025
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Global leaders are being tested by intractable wars in Gaza,Ukraine and Sudan, uncertainty about the economic and social impact of emerging artificial intelligence technology, and anxiety about Trump’s antipathy for the global body.—
Aamer Madhani,
Fortune,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
When human decency and basic civility fall victim to partisanship and ideology, and abhorrence of violence becomes tempered by political aims, monstrosities and tyrannies become possible.—
Michael Bloomberg,
Twin Cities,
24 Sep. 2025
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Holly hits the road with the activist and brings along a gun, despite her deep need to be near her home and her abhorrence of weapons.—
Maren Longbella,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2025
Noun
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Althea Soft conducted search engine analysis into the phobia between November 2022 and October 2024.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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Their findings, published in the journal BMC Oral Health, suggest that the phobia isn’t necessarily tied directly to the dentist’s chair.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Between the lines: Many undecideds are painfully trying to balance their sense of obligation with their detestation for Trump, as USA Today first detailed on Thursday.—
Erin Doherty,
Axios,
14 Dec. 2024
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One of the most memorable chapters epitomizes her detestation for the ultra-wealthy and pompous intellectuals who rushed to rationalize her work.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
20 Jan. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Anathema.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anathema. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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