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

Then Holliday hit a sharp grounder, but Albies made a terrific diving stop. — ABC News, 26 July 2026

At the same time, Thekla has put together a terrific championship run that's established her as one of AEW's top stars. — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

The base configuration is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX processor that’s terrific for 3D renders, heavy multitasking, and—of course—pushing refresh rates forward in your heavy-duty gaming. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026

Simmons has terrific length (despite barely being 6-3), along with excellent bend and sink — a truly terrifying blend for offensive tackles. — Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 22 July 2026

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