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.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abysmal
Last year, after decades of often bitter debate, California took an important step toward raising the abysmal levels of reading ability among many of its public school students.
—
Dan Walters, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 2026
But the abysmal snowpack is also causing a bad feedback loop, allowing the mountains to warm more than usual.
—Rebecca Boyle, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026
The department’s depleted police ranks had dropped from 920 officers in 2019 to an abysmal 560 in 2024.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 Feb. 2026
But Tuesday night’s attempt was abysmal, with Canada only mustering four shots on goal in the first period and just 20 by the end of the night.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abysmal
Dan Walters, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 2026
But the abysmal snowpack is also causing a bad feedback loop, allowing the mountains to warm more than usual.
—Rebecca Boyle, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026
The department’s depleted police ranks had dropped from 920 officers in 2019 to an abysmal 560 in 2024.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 Feb. 2026
But Tuesday night’s attempt was abysmal, with Canada only mustering four shots on goal in the first period and just 20 by the end of the night.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abysmal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abysmal
Adjective
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So many terrible things happen that the reader develops a kind of flinch, bracing for the next calamity whenever there is a brief lull in the misery.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
-
My actions were selfish; my actions were terrible.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Mar. 2026
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Working in batches, drop batter into hot oil using tablespoon or a cookie scoop, and fry, turning as needed until deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per batch.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
After the horrible murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, legions of fans revisited to the director’s films, and this is one of his best.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
5 Mar. 2026
-
But today, the building is in horrible shape.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
When looking at the entire population, these circadian rhythm disruptions may have profound effects.—
Jamie Ducharme,
Health,
5 Mar. 2026
-
These conditions, such as movement disorders and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease, often impair essential functions like movement, speech, and swallowing, leading to a profound loss of independence.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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City officials say the long-term leases make buying Liberty Station a poor investment for any potential buyer other than Seligman.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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Further, according to the paper, when supply tightens, richer nations outbid poorer ones for scarce shipments, exacerbating challenges for vulnerable economies.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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My reaction was silence and determination to make sure common sense prevailed to make sure her senior son, Jake, a top pitcher who transferred from Palm Desert to Rancho Christian, had this continuing stress resolved after an already awful ordeal engulfed him and his parents for months.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
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The bullpen…what are the Texas Rangers going to do about another potentially awful bullpen?—
Tim Cowlishaw,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Burgum appears to have been saddled with the task of making coal-burning and its dismal emissions look just as good.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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Freshman phenom Darryn Peterson had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, but struggled through another dismal shooting night, going 3-for-18 (2-for-11 from 3).—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
These atrocious crimes happen every day.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
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So, yes, the offense was atrocious at Tuesday’s close, with Herro enduring a second consecutive shooting struggle, now 10 for 32 in his last two.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abysmal. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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