be detestable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Children could at their worst be detestable in their vanity, their posing, their affectation, their unashamed greed.

From Dangerous Ages by Macaulay, Rose, Dame

At any rate, it isn't the kind of a joke I make—it would be detestable.

From Arsene Lupin by Leblanc, Maurice

I hated the idea of a war between any of the great powers, and that any of them should be dragged into a war by Serbia would be detestable.

From The Story of the Great War, Volume I (of 8) Introductions; Special Articles; Causes of War; Diplomatic and State Papers by Churchill, Allen L. (Allen Leon)

Turgot, the friend of Franklin, objected to this, but M. Deslandes gave him plainly to understand that 'a government which should tolerate such misconduct would be detestable.'

From France and the Republic A Record of Things Seen and Learned in the French Provinces During the 'Centennial' Year 1889 by Hurlbert, William Henry

An ornament that would be admirable applied to one object, might be detestable if applied to another.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 598, June 18, 1887 by Various