terrific

adjective

ter·​rif·​ic tə-ˈri-fik 

1

: unusually fine : magnificent

terrific weather

2

: extraordinary

terrific speed

3

a

: exciting or fit to excite fear or awe

a terrific thunderstorm

b

: very bad : frightful

terrifically

tə-ˈri-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of terrific

• excellent
• wonderful
• great
• superb
• fantastic
• lovely
• awesome
• fabulous
• beautiful
• marvelous
• stellar
• prime
• fine

Examples of terrific in a Sentence

She's given me some terrific ideas.

Your test scores were terrific.

They did a terrific job painting the house.

I had a terrific time.

I've recovered completely. In fact, I feel terrific.

We were hit by a terrific snowstorm last week.

Recent Examples on the Web

Allen’s combo of flip insincerity and kindly concern is a terrific treat, recalling Bill Murray at his doofy best. —Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025

Johnson has been terrific for Williams' development, according to coaches and executives who have studied the Bears' offense. —Jeff Howe, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025

Freakier Friday actors Haley Hudson, Manny Jacinto and Sophia Hammons are a terrific trio at Break Room 86 in Los Angeles, while celebrating the upcoming release of the film on Disney+. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025

Park is known for her terrific cutting and the sophisticated sense of ease in her clothes. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin terrificus, from terrēre to frighten

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Rhymes for terrific

• horrific
• pacific
• prolific
• salvific
• specific
• calorific
• conspecific
• hieroglyphic
• honorific
• nonspecific
• scientific
• soporific

Kids Definition

terrific

adjective

ter·​rif·​ic tə-ˈrif-ik 

1

: causing terror : terrible

terrific destruction

2

: very great in degree : extraordinary

a car going at terrific speed

3

: unusually good

makes terrific chili

terrifically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb