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

Crucially, this Bond is terrific, not tiresome. —Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 29 May 2026

Denying Machado a one-out double or triple, Phillies center fielder Justin Crawford made a terrific running catch against the wall. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026

The best option is to consult one of the many terrific precision planning apps available, such as TPE (The Photographer's Ephemeris) (which has a web app), PhotoPills or Planit Pro. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 28 May 2026

Our weeklong tester, a 2026 Hybrid TRD Pro 4×4 was, in short, terrific. —Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 28 May 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