hateful

[heyt-fuhl]

adjective

1. arousing hate or deserving to be hated.

   the hateful oppression of dictators.

   Synonyms: loathsome, invidious, repugnant, abhorrent, execrable, abominable
   Antonyms: praiseworthy, commendable, agreeable, likable

2. unpleasant; dislikable; distasteful.

   She found her domestic chores hateful.

3. full of or expressing hate malignant; malevolent.

   a hateful denunciatory speech.

hateful

/ ˈheɪtfʊl /

adjective

1. causing or deserving hate; loathsome; detestable

2. full of or showing hate

Other Word Forms

• hatefully adverb
• hatefulness noun
• unhateful adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hateful¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; hate, -ful

Synonym Study

Hateful, obnoxious, odious, offensive refer to something that causes strong dislike or annoyance. Hateful implies actually causing hatred or extremely strong dislike: The sight of him is hateful to me. Obnoxious emphasizes causing annoyance or discomfort by objectionable qualities: His persistence made him seem obnoxious. His piggish manners made him obnoxious to his companions. Odious emphasizes the disagreeable or displeasing: an odious little man; odious servility. Offensive emphasizes the distaste and resentment caused by something that may be either displeasing or insulting: an offensive odor, remark.

Example Sentences

"Harvard was wrong to tolerate hateful behavior for as long as it did," wrote the judge, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama.

From BBC

In the past, authorities have said, some officers under investigation were aware of the texts but did not send any hateful messages themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

On freedom of speech in the UK, it said "specific areas of concern" included restrictions on political speech deemed "hateful" or "offensive".

From BBC

It’s a hateful lie, but it’s well-designed nonetheless to prey on people who are already feeling low about their infertility.

From Salon

Following widespread criticism from the music community, Spotify has walked back its recently instated policy on “hate content and hateful conduct,” the streaming service announced Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abhorrent 
• bitter 
• despicable 
• disgusting 
• heinous 
• odious 
• ornery 
• repulsive 
• spiteful 
• vicious 
• vile