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
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
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Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2026
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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
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This resilience boils down to a profound decoupling of casual foot traffic from pure discretionary spending.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
These conditions can increase your vulnerability to adverse effects from poor air quality.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
16 June 2026
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Equating the Holocaust to Gaza is in extremely poor taste.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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But their pitching staff has been disappointing to awful, and there's little help coming from the farm system.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
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In fact, this version of Louis sounds an awful lot like Lestat.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
Many attendees posted on social media about their dismal experiences.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
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The silent sci-fi film, which depicts a dystopian future in which the wealthy upper class prospers in a utopia while the working class lives and toils in a dismal underground society, was released in theaters in 1927.—
Britt Hayes,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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Then again, perhaps this guest was anticipating her hosts’ atrocious behavior.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
6 June 2026
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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 18 Jun. 2026.
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