as in hated
formal
to speak about (someone or something) in a very critical or insulting way
Many people reviled him for his callous behavior.
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Recent Examples of reviled
From liberal to nationalist Beloved by many older and more rural Hungarians and reviled by detractors, Orbán has emerged as the country’s most consequential leader since its transition to democracy at the end of the Cold War.
—
Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Texas lawmakers have openly reviled the standardized testing regime and voted last year to replace the test with three shorter assessments, starting in the 2027-28 school year.
—Noah Alcala Bach, San Antonio Express-News, 6 Apr. 2026
While Senesh was hailed as a hero, Kastner was reviled and assassinated by his own countrymen for negotiating with the Nazis.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Even Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller — reviled by many as the architect of the harshest ICE policies — took advantage of the humanizing aspect of being associated with Elvis.
—John Beifuss, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 23 Mar. 2026
At a time when Black American culture is being reviled and denigrated throughout much of public life, this unapologetic expression of joy in outdoor winter activities is an enduring tribute to the resilience of people whose pursuit of happiness will not be denied.
—James Edward Mills, Outside, 15 Mar. 2026
There is, of course, truth to the statement that billionaires are reviled.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
During the demonstrations for racial justice in 2020, protestors across the country defaced and tore down statues of Washington, arguing that enslavers should be reviled, not honored.
—John Garrison Marks, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
Trump is reviled on issues in poll after poll; Israel has never been the recipient of so much global criticism.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Texas lawmakers have openly reviled the standardized testing regime and voted last year to replace the test with three shorter assessments, starting in the 2027-28 school year.
—Noah Alcala Bach, San Antonio Express-News, 6 Apr. 2026
While Senesh was hailed as a hero, Kastner was reviled and assassinated by his own countrymen for negotiating with the Nazis.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Even Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller — reviled by many as the architect of the harshest ICE policies — took advantage of the humanizing aspect of being associated with Elvis.
—John Beifuss, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 23 Mar. 2026
At a time when Black American culture is being reviled and denigrated throughout much of public life, this unapologetic expression of joy in outdoor winter activities is an enduring tribute to the resilience of people whose pursuit of happiness will not be denied.
—James Edward Mills, Outside, 15 Mar. 2026
There is, of course, truth to the statement that billionaires are reviled.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
During the demonstrations for racial justice in 2020, protestors across the country defaced and tore down statues of Washington, arguing that enslavers should be reviled, not honored.
—John Garrison Marks, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
Trump is reviled on issues in poll after poll; Israel has never been the recipient of so much global criticism.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reviled
Verb
-
Thomas loved milkshakes but hated them too milky and thin, his daughter said.—
Bob Vitale,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
-
This Mesopotamian empire hated Israel.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Legal experts such as the Polish Ombudsman, which protects civil and human rights in Poland, and the UNHCR have criticized Poland's suspension of the right to asylum.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
At the time, Magyar criticized the decision as a distraction from other issues affecting citizens, and said his government would protect the right to assembly, but steered clear of an explicit statement in support of that cause.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Scottish National Party, for example, has blamed Westminster for allowing Grangemouth — which supplied all of Scotland's kerosene — to close.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Gallup’s own senior education researcher, Zach Hrynowski, blamed the bad vibes at least partially on the dwindling job market.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After watching his ball go into the bunker, the LIV golfer then attacked a nearby water cooler, severing the head of the club from its shaft.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
PEOPLE,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Araghchi, part of Iran’s delegation in Pakistan, said Saturday that his country was prepared to retaliate if attacked again.—
E. Eduardo Castillo,
Fortune,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reviled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reviled. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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