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 And the suddenly competitive division rave has been one of the league's biggest storylines after an abysmal opening month for the Phillies hit its lowest point in an early-season series against the Braves. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Many of these countries are well known for horrific human rights abuses, lack of justice and abysmal detention conditions. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 Remember, this is the same team that fired their manager two months ago after an abysmal start. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026 Ainge believes the Jazz can improve greatly on last year’s abysmal 22-60 record. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 24 June 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
  • To sit still now would send a terrible message to a clubhouse full of pros, all of whom know the score.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
  • Spieth decided the ball sitting on a steep slope and potentially on a terrible lie wasn’t playable.
    — Brody Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of terrible
Adjective
  • Others demonstrate a star’s deep passion for agriculture or oenology.
    — Emily Saladino, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
  • That would explain another of the company’s findings, an uptick in country-specific exports after a deep run into the tournament.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 16 July 2026
Definition of deep
Adjective
  • The toll was horrible, with some families suffering multiple deaths and injuries.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
  • Plus, Palmer is a horrible person — in this case, the victim is much more despicable than the thieves.
    — Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • Much of the season finds Lestat wrestling with profound guilt, including over the death of their daughter, Claudia (played with harrowing grace by Delainey Hayles).
    — Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
  • By elevating awareness of forensic pathology and offering structured, hands-on exposure, medical schools can help students see the profound impact this field has on communities.
    — Gregory McDonald, STAT, 13 July 2026
Definition of profound
Adjective
  • Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to insufficient or poor sleep, compromising the immune system, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease and diminishing cognitive performance.
    — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026
  • On top of this, subterranean drip systems often clog with mineral deposits, sediment, and algae, which Nad warns may eventually require repairs or replacement of portions of the system, particularly in areas with hard water or poor filtration.
    — Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 13 July 2026
Definition of poor
Adjective
  • One year Pippa Middleton faced the awful shame of having to sit in a normal seat after showing up late.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • Sugar is at the forensic lab with the corpse of a man who looks an awful lot like Ji Moon but isn’t Ji Moon (courtesy of Shea Whigham as Tom Flybjerg).
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 27 June 2026
Definition of awful
Adjective
  • Despite praise for Lagaʻaia, the film set sail on a wave of dismal reviews from critics for being essentially a shot-for-shot remake of the original.
    — Lindsey Bahr, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • The experience of watching Evil Dead Burn is as dismal as the experiences of its characters.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of dismal
Adjective
  • The trailers looked awful, with a predictably sloppy anti-hero feel, atrocious visual effects, and an uninteresting plot and villain.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • The heat was punishing, the aesthetic was strictly corporate and the soccer itself was deeply atrocious.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 June 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 19 Jul. 2026.

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