hate 1 of 2

Definition of hatenext

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

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
Pahlavi, 65, is the son of Iran's former shah, who was so widely hated that millions took to the streets in 1979 to force him from power. ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026 His father, Iran’s shah, was so widely hated that millions took to the streets in 1979, forcing him from power. Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
That led to some more hate over the offseason. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026 Blanche said the indictment details several examples of the SPLC paying individuals hundreds of thousands of dollars to infiltrate hate groups, including those affiliated with the Ku Klux Klan, National Socialist Movement, Aryan Nations, and other white supremacist groups. Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hate
Verb
  • This election is a profound game-changer, not only for the people, but also the arts, liberating all those who were despised, sidelined or silenced by the corrupt regime.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
  • His downfall should burst the bubble of those on the right who think the path to permanent power is to mimic reactionary politics that despise checks and balances, individual rights, and economic freedom.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Hard fouls, trash talk and verbal jabs on the floor, and in the media, set a slight tone of hatred that fuels competitiveness and creates lasting memories.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Like Carlson, his hatred of Jews led him to claim support for the one minority with which the state of the Jewish people is in conflict.
    Alan M. Dershowitz, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • However, unlike the first movie, the upcoming film will revolve around arch enemies Kent and Luthor working together to defeat an even more dangerous villain, Brainiac, who will be played by newcomer Lars Eidinger.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Throughout Orbán’s re-election campaign, the media controlled by his governing Fidesz party depicted Magyar as a reckless enemy of peace, bent on dragging Hungary into the war in neighboring Ukraine.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These findings echo a broader pattern political scientists call affective polarization: the replacement of disagreement with abhorrence.
    Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Festivalgoers should expect petition endeavors aimed at mellowing out Idaho’s legal phobia about marijuana.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 16 Apr. 2026
  • His father has many food phobias and drug issues.
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The difference is Netflix had, at best, an antipathy towards the theatrical experience.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
  • The president’s antipathy for Mueller was on full display throughout the course of the Russia investigation, with Mueller – whose tenure as FBI director ended well before Trump took office – brought out of retirement by Trump’s own Justice Department to serve as special counsel.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
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
  • 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
Noun
  • Civic spending in all but eight states testifies to the fact that the Lost Cause fantasy was not an aberration or an abomination, but the reality across the country.
    Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
  • While people sometimes express this view in jest, others believe the fake environment borders on a cultural abomination.
    Adam Kadlac, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hate. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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