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
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Recent Examples of abysmal
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
Dozens of furious Nantes supporters were angry over their team’s abysmal season.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for abysmal
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
Dozens of furious Nantes supporters were angry over their team’s abysmal season.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for abysmal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abysmal
Adjective
-
Historically, South America has proven irresistible to certain inhabitants of the northern hemisphere eager to escape the consequences of their terrible actions.—
David Futrelle,
Washington Post,
4 June 2026
-
In retrospect, the Supreme Court decision that opened the widespread legalization of sports betting was a terrible, terrible mistake.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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That’s a pity, because with further refinement, Girl, Interrupted could go deeper.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
5 June 2026
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But, of course, the spotlight is on deep discounts and a focus on the marketplace’s Brand+ channel where shoppers can find trusted, global brands (with official product authentication).—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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The Savages’ social standing has dwindled to the point that only their equally horrible, grasping neighbors, the Bennetts (Richard McCabe and Vicki Pepperdine, both very funny), will fraternize with them.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
4 June 2026
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Without an ecosystem of competitive bids like Kalshi's, the customer usually walks away with a horrible deal.—
Ananya Chetia,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
In a profound culmination of decades of grassroots advocacy, in 2023 the Blackfeet Nation released a herd of 48 buffalo near Chief Mountain, the first to roam freely on Blackfoot territory in over 150 years.—
The Conversation,
The Conversation,
4 June 2026
-
Sam Cunningham—Great fullback who had a profound effect on college football.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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Common travel regrets stem from preventable issues like poor planning, budget problems, and choosing the wrong companions.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
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O’Farrell’s inclination for narratives propelled by brutal coincidence and fatally poor timing tenders a Hardy-esque vision of the world, one that emphasizes the rigid, often cruel limits of an individual’s jurisdiction over the course of their life.—
Rachel Vorona Cote,
Vulture,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
That’s an awful lot of people living with life-changing consequences.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
3 June 2026
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But for a restaurant that serves plenty of dishes seemingly designed for white tablecloths, there’s still an awful lot of eating done with your hands.—
Colin Wrenn,
Denver Post,
3 June 2026
Adjective
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The hope was that by moving to the low-pressure environment of Triple A, Lewis would forget about his dismal start to the season and begin implementing swing changes without worrying about results.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
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Despite all that success, the outlook at country radio is still far too dismal.—
Marissa R. Moss,
Rolling Stone,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
The weather was fairly atrocious for much of my road driving in the RS5, with a mix of rain and late May snow at altitude.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
28 May 2026
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And as engineer and tech investor Ben Pouladian told the WSJ, the vibes around Grok are atrocious.—
Joe Wilkins,
Futurism,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abysmal. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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