horror show

noun

: something difficult to deal with or watch
the trial was a horror show

Examples of horror show in a Sentence

The trial has been a horror show.
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.
But for many tenants who long dreamed of moving off the streets and into their own apartment, the property has become a horror show. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025 What starts as a romp in the woods, though, soon turns into a horror show when Josh’s friend Sergey (Friend) tries to force himself on Iris, who stabs him to death. Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2025 The Vancouver Canucks nearly overcame a horror show start to their game Monday night against the Montreal Canadiens. Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025 Then there was the idiot plot as horror show in the family separations at the Mexican border due to inadequate government tracking systems. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for horror show

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of horror show was circa 1959

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Cite this Entry

“Horror show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horror%20show. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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