1
informal
: extremely good : excellent
He makes terrific chili.
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.
2
: causing a feeling of surprise or wonder
an athlete with terrific [=astounding, amazing] speed
We were hit by a terrific snowstorm last week.
Cite this Entry
“Terrific.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/terrific. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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