detestable

adjective

di-ˈte-stə-bəl How to pronounce detestable (audio)
Definition of detestablenext
as in vile
not following or in accordance with standards of honor and decency the detestable actions of a nasty little man

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 detestable Since season 1, Steve has evolved from detestable jock to one of the series’ most beloved and protective figures. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025 But the context, circumstances and lack of reflection made his this detestable being. — John Hopewell, Variety, 25 Aug. 2025 But a wave of summer shows were canceled in response, with conservative leader Kemi Badenoch—a uniquely detestable political figure in a country that perfected the form—calling on Glastonbury to remove the band from this year’s bill. — Shaad D’souza, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025 Naturally, after Mary is taken hostage by Ronald’s detestable rival Jeff, the physical prowess that had eluded him all movie emerges in his time of need. — Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for detestable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for detestable
  1. vile
  2. immoral
  3. dirty
  4. nasty
  5. cruel
  6. contemptible
  7. despicable
  8. vicious
Adjective
  • Earlier in the week, after France’s bruising win over Paraguay, a Paraguayan senator launched into a series of vile and racist attacks against Mbappé, questioning his intelligence, his manners, and even his Frenchness.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
  • Frazier eagerly reposted a vile lie claiming Israelis drop bombs disguised as toys to murder children—originally posted by a UK activist facing terror charges for backing Hamas.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of vile
Adjective
  • Some rabbinic readings attribute Lot’s hesitation to leave Sodom to his immoral greed and inordinate wealth.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
  • Court records show that 60-year-old Bradley Kyle Martin, of Dearborn Heights, is charged with using a computer or internet to communicate with another person to commit a crime and accosting children for immoral purposes.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Definition of immoral
Adjective
  • Red flag, a groomer who won’t show you the van, or a van that’s visibly dirty or cluttered.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026
  • Bloomfield says they might get shipped overseas to places where recycling is done in unsafe and dirty conditions.
    — Camila Domonoske, NPR, 13 July 2026
Definition of dirty
Adjective
  • Lyndsy Fonseca, rapper Russ, Tom Cavanagh, Hunter King, Joseph Lee Anderson and Rob Riggle star in the indie film, which concerns a group of campers who run into a nasty, giant, prehistoric spider.
    — William Earl, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • At that point, a nasty nearly $7 million a day ticking fee takes effect that will find Paramount on the hook for hundreds of millions out to WBD shareholders each month until the matter gets regulatory approval.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 July 2026
Definition of nasty
Adjective
  • The heat has become so unbearable in Japan that weather officials in April announced a new term for days when maximum temperatures exceed 104 degrees — kokushobi, meaning harsh or cruel heat, according to the Japan Times.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • For thousands of Venezuelans, however, the lack of definitive answers has become one of the tragedy’s cruelest consequences.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of cruel
Adjective
  • Most people in the anglosphere don’t follow this region, and those who do get their opinions from a small number of people with a contemptible worldview.
    — Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Your death was preventable, unjust, tragic, and contemptible; utterly contemptible.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
Definition of contemptible
Adjective
  • The fact that Van Hollen publicly and enthusiastically supported Graham Platner, despite all of his despicable activity, is an embarrassment to the entire state of Maryland.
    — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2026
  • Plus, Palmer is a horrible person — in this case, the victim is much more despicable than the thieves.
    — Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2026
Definition of despicable
Adjective
  • Yet falling behind on payments could result in a vicious cycle of debt, experts say.
    — Stephanie Dhue,Sharon Epperson, CNBC, 14 July 2026
  • As Earth warms, more permafrost melts, releasing even more methane and creating a vicious cycle.
    — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 13 July 2026
Definition of vicious

Browse Nearby Words

detest
detestable
detestableness
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Cite this Entry

“Detestable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/detestable. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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