hateful

adjective

hate·​ful ˈhāt-fəl 

1

: full of hate : malicious

2

: deserving of or arousing hate

hatefully

ˈhāt-fə-lē 

adverb

hatefulness noun

Synonyms

• bad [slang]
• bitchy
• catty
• cruel
• despiteful
• malevolent
• malicious
• malign
• malignant
• mean
• nasty
• spiteful
• vicious
• virulent

Examples of hateful in a Sentence

the girl's classmates were bullying her online, sending her hateful e-mails and text messages

Recent Examples on the Web

Maryland’s Salvadoran community relives surge in hateful rhetoric When a wave of Salvadorans first migrated to Maryland, there was a stereotype that they were affiliated with gangs like MS-13, Perez said. —Polo Sandoval, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025

Utah has become a hateful place, guest columnist ML Cavanaugh writes. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2025

Related Articles The hateful rhetoric against immigrants is nothing new But have any political leaders or bureaucrats given any thought to where electricity comes from? —Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 31 Mar. 2025

But over the past decade, Kid Rock’s politics have hardened to resemble that specific strain of Donald Trump followers who trade in hateful speech, seething anger and unflinching support of the current president. —Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from hate hate entry 1 + -ful -ful entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hateful

• ungrateful
• fateful
• grateful

Kids Definition

hateful

adjective

hate·​ful ˈhāt-fəl 

1

: full of hate : malicious

hateful enemies

2

: causing or deserving hate

a hateful crime

hatefully

-fə-lē 

adverb

hatefulness noun