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

• disgusting
• awful
• horrible
• ugly
• sickening
• hideous
• shocking
• obscene
• offensive
• obnoxious
• dreadful

Examples of abhorrent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is not about Western countries being against Iran’s Jurassic theocracy for imprisoning women for failing to cover their heads with a hijab, or for executing gays, or any of its other abhorrent internal policies. —Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 22 June 2025

Political violence is abhorrent and has no place in our political system or our communities. —Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 14 June 2025

To harass and intentionally cause distress to foster families by threats and coercion is abhorrent. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2025

This is an abhorrent violation of international law and could constitute a war crime. —Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 13 Mar. 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