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
Social media-wise, everybody was hating. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025 Our cat hates this and keeps trying to sit down on my journal. R29 Team, Refinery29, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
The shooter expressed hate towards Black people. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Candace Owens, who is at the center of hate-speech allegations, is also a fan. Will Carless, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hate
Verb
  • Austen shows us how others might fear or despise her, then gives us the gift of the means and the courage to delight in her instead.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Many people fear them, attack them, or despise them.
    Anna Tunkova, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Rivalries that are long in tenure and thick with hatred define college sports in the Deep South, where football is second only to faith in some places.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Examples abound of men with histories of misogyny – often expressed online – who go on to commit violent crimes in the name of their hatred.
    Will Carless, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Under orders from General Erinmore (Colin Firth), the pair must traverse enemy lines to deliver a life-or-death message to Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch), halting an attack that would endanger more than 1,000 men.
    Emy LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The enemy terrorizes and kills our people across the country every day.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 7 Sep. 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
  • 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
Noun
  • People with a phobia of elevators should take steps to avoid them.
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025
  • What makes treating panic disorder difficult is that these attacks can be symptoms of other conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social phobia disorder (SAD), agoraphobia, major depressive disorder (MDD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD).
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Both Erica and the Gorn overcame their antipathy.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Heritage and its founder Edwin Feulner are the antipathy of conservativism.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 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
  • Of course, there was the Luka Doncic abomination that caused a collective jaw drop among the entire basketball world.
    Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • This wasteful Everglades abomination surely is one of our worst.
    Elise Bennett, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Hate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hate. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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