as in hated
formal
to speak about (someone or something) in a very critical or insulting way
Many people reviled him for his callous behavior.
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Recent Examples of reviled
Even Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller — reviled by many as the architect of the harshest ICE policies — took advantage of the humanizing aspect of being associated with Elvis.
—
John Beifuss, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 23 Mar. 2026
At a time when Black American culture is being reviled and denigrated throughout much of public life, this unapologetic expression of joy in outdoor winter activities is an enduring tribute to the resilience of people whose pursuit of happiness will not be denied.
—James Edward Mills, Outside, 15 Mar. 2026
There is, of course, truth to the statement that billionaires are reviled.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
During the demonstrations for racial justice in 2020, protestors across the country defaced and tore down statues of Washington, arguing that enslavers should be reviled, not honored.
—John Garrison Marks, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
Trump is reviled on issues in poll after poll; Israel has never been the recipient of so much global criticism.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
In 2026 their memories are reviled by their countrymen.
—Max Hastings, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
Newsom is widely reviled here for cutting back on oil drilling and not prioritizing new reservoirs to store water for thirsty farms.
—Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Stone and Lanthimos have since worked together several times, and their collaboration, a mutual-favoritism society, has been hailed and sometimes reviled for its darkly exuberant sense of risk.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025
John Beifuss, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 23 Mar. 2026
At a time when Black American culture is being reviled and denigrated throughout much of public life, this unapologetic expression of joy in outdoor winter activities is an enduring tribute to the resilience of people whose pursuit of happiness will not be denied.
—James Edward Mills, Outside, 15 Mar. 2026
There is, of course, truth to the statement that billionaires are reviled.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
During the demonstrations for racial justice in 2020, protestors across the country defaced and tore down statues of Washington, arguing that enslavers should be reviled, not honored.
—John Garrison Marks, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
Trump is reviled on issues in poll after poll; Israel has never been the recipient of so much global criticism.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
In 2026 their memories are reviled by their countrymen.
—Max Hastings, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
Newsom is widely reviled here for cutting back on oil drilling and not prioritizing new reservoirs to store water for thirsty farms.
—Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Stone and Lanthimos have since worked together several times, and their collaboration, a mutual-favoritism society, has been hailed and sometimes reviled for its darkly exuberant sense of risk.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reviled
Verb
-
The three shooters, conspiracy theorists who hated the police, were shot and killed by officers after a six-hour siege in the region of Wieambilla.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
But certain airports are more hated than others.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Last season during a livestream, Nacua criticized NFL officials and made a gesture regarded as antisemitic.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Canada's Prime Minister and Quebec's legislature criticized the CEO for the language lapse.—
Allison Lampert,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Some murder cases in Mecklenburg have taken more than five years to get to trial, something the district attorney has blamed on low staffing and not enough state funding.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The humble org chart isn’t usually blamed for holding back innovation.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Kuwait’s Al Salmi tanker was attacked at the port connected to the United Arab Emirates city better known as a destination for influencers, Reuters and The New York Times reported.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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The Houthis have previously attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea to disrupt the flow of oil, gas and other commodities through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.—
Lucia I Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reviled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reviled. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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