hate 1 of 2

hate

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hate are abhor, abominate, detest, and loathe. While all these words mean "to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for," hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice.

hated the enemy with a passion

When would abhor be a good substitute for hate?

The meanings of abhor and hate largely overlap; however, abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance.

a crime abhorred by all

When might abominate be a better fit than hate?

The synonyms abominate and hate are sometimes interchangeable, but abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation.

abominates all forms of violence

When can detest be used instead of hate?

While in some cases nearly identical to hate, detest suggests violent antipathy.

detests cowards

When is it sensible to use loathe instead of hate?

While the synonyms loathe and hate are close in meaning, loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance.

loathed the mere sight of them

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 hate
Verb
Bats are an important part of the ecosystem, eating pesky insects most humans hate. Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Oct. 2025 Best underseat and compact bags Perfect for flying light or keeping essentials close, these smaller bags are ideal for travelers who hate gate-checking. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
In some cases, the religious hate has led to hate crimes and violence, such as the recent mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in August, which was mentioned by faith leaders during the panel. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025 On Sunday, Haynes said police categorized the most recent incident as theft with hate toward the LGBTQ+ community. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hate
Verb
  • Both brothers despise their father, for good reason.
    Karl Ove Knausgaard, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The fact that the film is named after its subject’s most beloved — and most despised by Hart himself — hit tells you everything.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The endorsement comes as Cuomo has lobbed increasingly caustic attacks on Mamdani, equating his criticism of Israel with antisemitism and warning of a city beset by crime, hatred and disorder if his opponent wins.
    Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield hasn't been shy about his hatred of the rival NFL franchise.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Mike McLusky may be top dog but power can only be maintained by continuing to instill fear in his enemies.
    Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
  • LeBare was awarded two Purple Heart medals for his actions against the enemy.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 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
  • 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
  • Althea Soft conducted search engine analysis into the phobia between November 2022 and October 2024.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • 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
  • Cast aside as an abomination, Karloff’s gentle giant only craves an intimate connection with someone else.
    Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hate. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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