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abysmal

adjective

ə-ˈbiz-məl How to pronounce abysmal (audio)
Definition of abysmalnext
1
as in terrible
extremely unsatisfactory The coach apologized for the abysmal performance of the team in the loss.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The Chiefs helped to make Denver positively abysmal on offense in its first game with coordinator Davis Webb calling the plays. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 Outside the opening drive against the Washington Commanders that saw Willis lead the starting offense to a touchdown, the quarterback play has been rather abysmal to say the least. — Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026 Green Bay’s special teams have been abysmal for the better part of two decades. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 His record on Palestinian matters on the whole is, however, abysmal. — David Shulman, The New York Review of Books, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abysmal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abysmal
  1. terrible
  2. deep
  3. horrible
  4. profound
  5. poor
  6. awful
  7. dismal
  8. atrocious
Adjective
  • As a rookie, the Pats lost plenty, but that was with a terrible roster around him.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The company reported another terrible quarter and cut its full-year outlook for the second time in three months.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of terrible
Adjective
  • This appointment arrives as Nike navigates deep operational restructuring and severe market headwinds.
    — , CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The work is meant to address the 3- to 6-inch-deep depression on Pocket Road, city spokesperson Carlos Eliason said.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of deep
Adjective
  • Much has been written about the power of artificial intelligence to improve life in myriad ways, but also about its truly horrible effects—now and going forward—if it isn’t managed properly.
    — Nadine Hack, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • But the horrible scenes that unfolded before him were incomparable.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • Protests spilled onto the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway and lasted for days, representing a profound threat to the Israeli government.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Still, the current team does have a rare shot at shaping an orchestra that is not only reliably exciting and frequently profound but also casually bold and genuinely fun — making for a crucial presence in the city as well as at Geffen Hall.
    — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of profound
Adjective
  • Renovation will only yield temporary improvement unless the original cause of a poor-quality lawn is remedied.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The consequences of a poor performance in the takeaway department sets a very high standard for rookies, something that can only bode well for the future.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of poor
Adjective
  • To Morrison, as well as to the filmmakers, this awful backstory makes something cathartic of his accomplishment.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • So the fact that there was this whole section of gay actors who weren’t allowed to do that is awful.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of awful
Adjective
  • Texas lost on the road to Ohio State early in the season, sure, but also lost to a dismal 4-8 Florida team, were blown out by the Georgia Bulldogs, and struggled to close overtime wins against bad Kentucky and Mississippi State teams.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Over the 28 years since its release, the original Practical Magic, despite its dismal reviews and middling box-office reception, has accrued a sentimental affection from fans.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of dismal
Adjective
  • The Leeds forward line was helped by Newcastle’s atrocious defending and another weak clearance led to a fourth goal after 59 minutes, Noah Okafor slapping his low strike through a sea of legs into the far corner.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Stewart, Why are Fox, CBS, & NBC allowing the Big Ten to have an atrocious week of scheduling?
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of atrocious

Browse Nearby Words

abysm
abysmal
abysmally
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Cite this Entry

“Abysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abysmal. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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