Hateful — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈhāt-fəl/ hate·ful

Meaning & Definition of Hateful

Hateful (adjective)

  1. full of hate, malicious
  2. deserving of or arousing hate

Hateful (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having or showing a desire to cause someone pain or suffering for the sheer enjoyment of it

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

    similar: bad (slang), bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, vicious, virulent
    related: devious, scoundrelly, scurvy, snakelike, acrimonious, bitter, envious, jaundiced, jealous, rancorous, resentful, vindictive, vitriolic, contemptuous, deprecating, derogatory, disdainful, disparaging, mean-spirited, obnoxious, opprobrious, scornful, snide, snotty, unkind, unkindly, unloving, baleful, baneful, evil, harsh, hostile, inimical, acrid, caustic, poisonous, scathing, venomous
    opposite: benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious
    near: compassionate, good, good-hearted, kind, kindhearted, kindly, sympathetic, warm, warmhearted, affable, agreeable, amiable, cordial, friendly, genial, gracious, nice, pleasant, affectionate, amorous, sweet, tender, tenderhearted, humane, altruistic, high-minded, humanitarian, magnanimous, noble, philanthropic

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hateful

The most common words with a similar meaning to Hateful:

Slang: bad
bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, vicious, virulent

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Hateful

Words with the opposite meaning of Hateful:

benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious

Related Words for Hateful

devious, scoundrelly, scurvy, snakelike, acrimonious, bitter, envious, jaundiced, jealous, rancorous, resentful, vindictive, vitriolic, contemptuous, deprecating, derogatory, disdainful, disparaging, mean-spirited, obnoxious, opprobrious, scornful, snide, snotty, unkind, unkindly, unloving, baleful, baneful, evil

Near Antonyms of Hateful

compassionate, good, good-hearted, kind, kindhearted, kindly, sympathetic, warm, warmhearted, affable, agreeable, amiable, cordial, friendly, genial, gracious, nice, pleasant, affectionate, amorous, sweet, tender, tenderhearted, humane, altruistic, high-minded, humanitarian, magnanimous, noble, philanthropic

Word Forms of Hateful

Derived words: hatefully (adverb), hatefulness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Hateful

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

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Hateful

What does "Hateful" mean?

"Hateful" means full of hate, malicious. As an adjective, it is defined as: full of hate, malicious.

What is another word for "Hateful"?

Other words for "Hateful" include bad, bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, malevolent, malicious and malign. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hateful" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Hateful"?

There are 52 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hateful". Common alternatives include bad, bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant and mean.

What is the opposite of "Hateful"?

Antonyms of "Hateful" include benevolent, benign, benignant, loving and unmalicious. Near antonyms include compassionate, good, good-hearted and kind.

How do you use "Hateful" in a sentence?

Examples of "Hateful" in a sentence: "the girl's classmates were bullying her online, sending her hateful e-mails and text messages".

Is "Hateful" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Hateful" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Hateful"?

"Hateful" is pronounced /ˈhāt-fəl/ and divided into syllables as hate·ful.

What is the origin of the word "Hateful"?

"Hateful" comes from Middle English, from hate hate:1 + -ful -ful:1. First known use: 14th century.