abhorrent

adjective

ab·​hor·​rent əb-ˈhȯr-ənt 

-ˈhär-,

ab-

1

: causing or deserving strong dislike or hatred : being so repugnant as to stir up positive antagonism

acts abhorrent to every right-minded person

2

: not agreeable : contrary

a notion abhorrent to their philosophy

3

a

: feeling or showing strong dislike or hatred

b

archaic : strongly opposed

abhorrently adverb

Synonyms

• abominable
• appalling
• awful
• disgusting
• distasteful
• dreadful
• evil
• foul
• fulsome
• gross
• hideous
• horrendous
• horrible
• horrid
• loathsome
• nasty
• nauseating
• nauseous
• noisome
• noxious
• obnoxious
• obscene
• odious
• offensive
• rancid
• repellent
• repellant
• repugnant
• repulsive
• revolting
• scandalous
• shocking
• sickening
• ugly

Examples of abhorrent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During the exchange, Hamas paraded the coffins and displayed propaganda in a move the UN called abhorrent. —Chris Kenning, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025

However, Coleman did him no favors with the abhorrent recruitment. —Stuart James, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025

Trump's desire to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza is morally abhorrent. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

These abhorrent behaviors and actions are the standard modus operandi for the head of the Republican party. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin abhorrent-, abhorrens, present participle of abhorrēre "to abhor"

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Rhymes for abhorrent

• torrent
• warrant

Kids Definition

abhorrent

adjective

ab·​hor·​rent əb-ˈhȯr-ənt 

-ˈhär-,

ab-

1

: causing or deserving strong dislike

2

: not agreeable : contrary

a notion abhorrent to their beliefs

abhorrently adverb