abhorrence

noun

əb-ˈhȯr-ən(t)s How to pronounce abhorrence (audio)
Definition of abhorrencenext
1
as in detestation
something or someone that is hated one of the changes in American society that remains a particular abhorrence of social conservatives

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hatred
a very strong dislike my firm abhorrence of all forms of hypocrisy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abhorrence Tolin doesn’t candy coat the animosity, helping children to understand how artists and Others continue to be misunderstood and how that lack of appreciation fuels abhorrence. — Natasha Gural, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 What distinguishes the extreme far-left from the far-right, however, is an abhorrence for meaningless violence, death and terrorism — at least against people, anti-fascists and experts on the movement told USA TODAY. — Will Carless, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2025 The reactions from right-of-center publications divide into roughly four camps, aligning on a spectrum ranging from vocal approval to outright abhorrence. — Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 What distinguishes Michnik is his passion for dialogue, his abhorrence of revenge, and his willingness to find worth in his political adversaries. — Adam Michnik, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2011 See All Example Sentences for abhorrence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abhorrence
  1. detestation
  2. hatred
  3. enemy
  4. antipathy
  5. hate
  6. abomination
  7. phobia
  8. aversion
Noun
  • How Nelson is reformulated from one who feels desire to one who feels detestation (as well as shame for having desired) is the remarkable achievement of both the story and the storyteller and the system that requires it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Definition of detestation
Noun
  • Platforms for hatred These platforms don’t make hatred possible.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Renée shared a hatred of Nazis and had a keen desire to defeat the Axis powers.
    — Gaby Iori October 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of hatred
Noun
  • Slota’s online footprint shows a history of endorsing violence against political enemies, training with firearms, and inviting other leftists to prepare for possible armed conflict before his arrest, a Washington Examiner review found.
    — Hudson Crozier, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Dexter will also battle a new, unexpected enemy — a mid-life crisis — as Harrison (Alcott) continues his own pursuit of justice as father and son face their darkest chapter yet.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of enemy
Noun
  • The other is that Republicans’ antipathy towards vote-by-mail is waning.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 1 June 2026
  • Alexander Kazakov | Afp | Getty Images That Russia and China are seen as ideologically aligned on many geopolitical issues, with each sharing a traditional antipathy and distrust towards the West, and Washington.
    — Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 20 May 2026
Definition of antipathy
Noun
  • But hate, the currency of social media clicks, is not limited to just one group.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Police said the vandalism was classified as a property crime rather than a hate offense, and the teen was released to his parents.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of hate
Noun
  • What are the implications when much of humanity witnesses the same pyrotechnic abomination at the same time?
    — David Friend, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026
  • It a thematic fit, and after nearly 200 episodes, there’s no doubting this team’s ability to deliver fresh, new abominations.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of abomination
Noun
  • Several factors raise the risk, according to Cleveland Clinic, including a history of negative or traumatic experiences with needles and a family history of needle phobia.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Long before the cancer, my father, Rajeev, who was 63, avoided conventional medicine with an intensity that bordered on phobia.
    — Trisha Thadani Kirsten Potter Tanya Pérez Devin Murphy, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of phobia
Noun
  • Willis at times has shown an aversion for check-downs and instead has attempted riskier or unwise throws, something that happened multiple times in Sunday’s 31-24 loss to Cincinnati.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Below, Faist also discusses Charles’ strong aversion to Cathy and the appeal of the triangular character dynamics he’s explored in Challengers and now East of Eden.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of aversion

Browse Nearby Words

abhorred
abhorrence
abhorrences
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abhorrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abhorrence. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of abscond

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All