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

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

His terrific performance was a similar problem for the Pacers. —Tony East, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

The 6-foot-5, 221-pounder not only comes with ideal size and above-average athleticism but also terrific arm talent. —Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 18 June 2025

Puzzles are a terrific way to avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive, unwanted behaviors. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025

The space is bright and open, with high ceilings and large windows that highlight the eternally terrific people-watching of the Lower East Side. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 15 June 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