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
That’s bad news for the Parr family, and especially father Bob (Craig T. Nelson), who hates his office job and longs to return to his super life. Barry Levitt, Time, 26 June 2025 No one hates economic uncertainty more than the business community. Jennifer Palmer, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
There is never a place for this kind of political hate. Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025 San Diego’s Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities face the same enemies: rising hate and violence by extremists who profit from our division. Fabienne Perlov, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hate
Verb
  • And Trump’s targeting of college campuses for being havens of antisemitism has caused a backlash from liberals who might despise that strain of hatred, but find Trump equally as loathsome.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 23 June 2025
  • Superman, due July 11, is the first feature film set in the new DCU, and arguably one of the highest-stakes movies ever made, though Gunn despises that framing.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • There is a strong sense of hatred toward Netanyahu, whose calls for the Iranian public to take this opportunity to rise up and overthrow their leaders are seemingly falling flat.
    NBC News, NBC news, 19 June 2025
  • Miller is a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • As Gramm and Boudreaux write toward book’s end, poverty in the U.S. is continually being redefined in ways that support their contention that capitalism isn’t the enemy of the poor.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • In the American Revolution, soldiers had to face down the East Coast’s uncompromising climate in addition to their enemies.
    Ken Burns, USA Today, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • Even Heinz made a joke on social media last year about the superstar’s phobia, posting a photo of a bottle of ketchup labeled Heinz 97 (referencing McDavid’s jersey number) — instead of the traditional Heinz 57 label on the bottle.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2025
  • Noise-sensitive dogs, particularly breeds like border collies and Australian shepherds, may have a genetic predisposition to noise phobias.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • All the losing, the antipathy toward Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and the lack of any true stars have factored into the current malaise.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
  • Despite his deep, deep antipathy toward Netanyahu, Trump understands the transactional nature of his relationship with those voters who prioritize Israel’s future over any domestic U.S. priorities.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 17 June 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
  • Mansory’s latest improvement—or abomination, depending on your perspective—is a G-Wagen convertible with a livery inspired by the board game Monopoly.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 18 June 2025
  • Other leaders who show off tanks and missiles Trump stumbles up the stairs to Air Force One, stoking memory of Biden tripping video Musk and Trump's relationship: A timeline from campaign cash to 'disgusting abomination' Will Medicaid change under new bill?
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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