hateful

adjective

hate·​ful ˈhāt-fəl How to pronounce hateful (audio)
Synonyms of hatefulnext
1
: full of hate : malicious
2
: deserving of or arousing hate
hatefully adverb
hatefulness noun

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
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.
Once, an Iowa State Cyclones fan account posted a picture of Crooks at the state fair with a steer, and the onslaught of hateful comments that followed was too much; the picture disappeared. Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026 This last sneak peek serves up heaps of colorful heroic set pieces as He-Man recruits a fearsome force to storm Castle Greyskull and reclaim the throne from his hateful nemesis. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 May 2026 Speaking at a news conference with San Diego police and the FBI the day after the shooting, the Islamic Center’s imam said the mosque was accustomed to receiving hate mail, hateful messages online and hearing passing drivers scream and curse at community members. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026 Their hateful and inflammatory remarks about slain CEO Brian Thompson sparked a debate over how city press passes are granted. Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hateful

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of hateful was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hateful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hateful. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

hateful

adjective
hate·​ful ˈhāt-fəl How to pronounce hateful (audio)
1
: full of hate : malicious
hateful enemies
2
: causing or deserving hate
a hateful crime
hatefully adverb
hatefulness noun

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