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

What Israel is promising is not yet another round of fighting, but a criminal escalation of a morally abhorrent war. —Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 12 May 2025

Our hearts go out to all of those affected by this abhorrent act. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025

And the sometimes abhorrent conditions and lack of adequate care often drives individuals to abandon shelters and return to the familiarity of the streets. —Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 1 Apr. 2025

Another recommendation: Attacking Trump’s character, however abhorrent critics may find it, is futile. —Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 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