1
as in terrible
extremely unsatisfactory
The coach apologized for the abysmal performance of the team in the loss.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deep
extending far downward
Strange sounds echoed from the abysmal reaches of the cave.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abysmal
Her approval ratings have been abysmal ever since, currently sitting at about 35 percent approval and 57 percent disapproval.
—
Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
Sherrill’s announcement followed days of tensions outside the Delaney Hall facility over allegations of abysmal conditions and the use of violence against detainees, which the Department of Homeland Security denies.
—Daniella Silva, NBC news, 30 May 2026
Some migrants have been removed suddenly from detention centers and flown to countries in Africa, Latin America, or Central Asia with abysmal human rights records.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 26 May 2026
In the hours ahead at Nationals Park, Semien’s job was to play second base for a New York Mets team that is trying to overcome an abysmal start to the season.
—Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for abysmal
Marc Novicoff, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
Sherrill’s announcement followed days of tensions outside the Delaney Hall facility over allegations of abysmal conditions and the use of violence against detainees, which the Department of Homeland Security denies.
—Daniella Silva, NBC news, 30 May 2026
Some migrants have been removed suddenly from detention centers and flown to countries in Africa, Latin America, or Central Asia with abysmal human rights records.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 26 May 2026
In the hours ahead at Nationals Park, Semien’s job was to play second base for a New York Mets team that is trying to overcome an abysmal start to the season.
—Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for abysmal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abysmal
Adjective
-
In 2012, a powerful quake visited terrible damage on the city of Modena, Bottura’s home and host to his restaurant.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
The letter writer’s cousin has cancer, and the chemo gives her terrible side effects.—
Eric Thomas,
Sun Sentinel,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2026
-
Chicagoans have a deep reverence for the thick, unique pizza style, and Cornell and Stevenson said visitors from the Windy City have claimed Zelda’s is the most authentic version of the pie in California.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
The companies try to slow down this process by submerging it in oil, but the resulting flavor is horrible.—
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner,
Martha Stewart,
13 June 2026
-
Your cab driver is taking you on a horrible route.—
Zach Schiffman,
Curbed,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Through cinéma vérité scenes, archival footage, and interviews, the film explores the relationship between art and civic life — how storytelling can help restore a sense of community after profound tragedy.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
12 June 2026
-
This resilience boils down to a profound decoupling of casual foot traffic from pure discretionary spending.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
The second didn’t go nearly as well for Bussi as Karlsson and Howden scored on two of the Golden Knights’ six shots in the period to tie the score at 3-3 heading into the third, the tying goal coming off a Seth Jarvis turnover and a couple of poor defensive plays by Sean Walker and K’Andre Miller.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
-
Heat radiates from the pages of this extraordinary novel about a poor family in rural Mississippi in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
There's an awful lot of this nation's history packed into one three-block area in Philadelphia.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
Speaking of paperwork, there’s an awful lot of it in this episode.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
An independent commission had spent the previous year contemplating the dismal state of American democracy.—
Yoni Appelbaum,
The Atlantic,
8 June 2026
-
The dismal snowpack situation has meant their main source of irrigation, water drawn from the Gunnison River through the nearly six mile Gunnison Tunnel, is in a desperate situation.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Then again, perhaps this guest was anticipating her hosts’ atrocious behavior.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
6 June 2026
-
Japan didn’t surrender after the equally atrocious firebombing of Tokyo.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abysmal. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
