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

To have this much AI power in an affordable device is really terrific. —Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026

Eiza González also has a terrific, scene-stealing turn as the trio’s pot-smoking co-worker who happens to know a lot about teleporting and quantum theory. —Jada Yuan, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026

In addition to being an industry satire, the film functions as a terrific noir-ish thriller. —Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Mar. 2026

Now make no mistake, Caleb Wilson is a phenomenal player, but Hubert Davis has done a terrific job of adjusting, and his team has done a terrific job of adjusting. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 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