detestable

adjective

de·​test·​able di-ˈte-stə-bəl How to pronounce detestable (audio)
dē-
: arousing or meriting intense dislike : abominable
detestableness noun
detestably adverb

Examples of detestable in a Sentence

He is a detestable villain. the detestable actions of a nasty little man
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Top-notch casting is the cherry on top, with Lily James as the supremely likable Cinderella, Richard Madden as her down-to-earth prince, Cate Blanchett as the detestable stepmother with her own imperfect backstory, and Helena Bonham Carter as one lovably flighty fairy godmother. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2025 Can’t wait for the Stanley Cup window to close on Team Tank, easily the most detestable team in the League. Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025 The right invented the term Trump Derangement Syndrome to dismiss analysis of Trump’s autocratic tendencies, compulsive lying and generally detestable character as liberal hysteria. Michelle Goldberg, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2025 Overall, the film has gotten a mixed reception, and Strong’s character is pretty detestable. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detestable

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detestable was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Detestable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detestable. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

detestable

adjective
de·​test·​able di-ˈtes-tə-bəl How to pronounce detestable (audio)
: arousing or deserving strong dislike : abominable

More from Merriam-Webster on detestable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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