Crossword Genius

Hates creating half-dead exams (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

detests

'hates' is the definition.
('detest' can be a synonym of 'hate')

'half-dead exams' is the wordplay.
'half' suggests halving the letters.
'exams' becomes 'tests' ('test' can be a synonym of 'exam').
'dead' halved is 'de'.
'de'+'tests'='DETESTS'

'creating' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for detests that I've seen before include "Abhors" , "Hates" , "Abominates" , "Cordially loathe" , "Loathes" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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