misanthropy

noun

mis·​an·​thro·​py mi-ˈsan(t)-thrə-pē How to pronounce misanthropy (audio)
Synonyms of misanthropynext
: a hatred or distrust of humankind

Examples of misanthropy in a Sentence

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.
Instead, this short, nasty film finds much of its sharpest humor in good old-fashioned misanthropy. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2026 Money, and a heaping serving of misanthropy. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 13 May 2026 And doomscrolling is related to higher levels of existential anxiety and misanthropy. — Jt Torres, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2026 Many people seem to dwell in politically siloed subcultures (red states, blue cities, suburban group chats, neighborhood-watch forums) that drive them to misanthropy, doomscrolling, and, yes, neurosis. — Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for misanthropy

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misanthropy was in 1625

Browse Nearby Words

misanthropize
misanthropy
misapplication
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

misanthropy

noun
mis·​an·​thro·​py mis-ˈan(t)-thrə-pē How to pronounce misanthropy (audio)
: a dislike or hatred of all human beings
misanthropic
ˌmis-ᵊn-ˈthräp-ik
adjective
misanthropically
-ˈthräp-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

Medical Definition

misanthropy

noun
mis·​an·​thro·​py mis-ˈan(t)-thrə-pē How to pronounce misanthropy (audio)
plural misanthropies
: a hatred or distrust of humankind

More from Merriam-Webster on misanthropy

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for misanthropy

Nglish: Translation of misanthropy for Spanish Speakers

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