abhorrence

noun

ab·​hor·​rence əb-ˈhȯr-ən(t)s How to pronounce abhorrence (audio)
-ˈhär-, 
ab-
Synonyms of abhorrencenext
1
a
: the act or state of abhorring or despising something or someone
a crime regarded with abhorrence
b
: a feeling of strong repugnance or disgust : loathing
an abhorrence of war
2
: something regarded as repugnant or disgusting
Slavery is an abhorrence.

Synonyms of abhorrence

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Examples of abhorrence in a Sentence

one of the changes in American society that remains a particular abhorrence of social conservatives my firm abhorrence of all forms of hypocrisy
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.
Holly hits the road with the activist and brings along a gun, despite her deep need to be near her home and her abhorrence of weapons. — Maren Longbella, Boston Herald, 30 May 2025 But your abhorrence of the outcomes of particular elections doesn’t justify your saying, Well, the hell with that. — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026 The reactions from right-of-center publications divide into roughly four camps, aligning on a spectrum ranging from vocal approval to outright abhorrence. — Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 What distinguishes Michnik is his passion for dialogue, his abhorrence of revenge, and his willingness to find worth in his political adversaries. — Adam Michnik, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2011 See All Example Sentences for abhorrence

Word History

Etymology

abhorr(ent) + -ence

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of abhorrence was in 1592

Browse Nearby Words

abhor
abhorrence
abhorrency
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Cite this Entry

“Abhorrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abhorrence. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of abhorrence for Spanish Speakers

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