ABYSMAL Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

abysmal

adjective

ə-ˈbiz-məl

Definition of abysmal

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

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 Many outsiders are looking to Herbert to save the franchise from an abysmal season not many projected. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026 With the lefty-swinging Ryan McMahon putting the finishing touches on an abysmal offensive season and taking a step back defensively, the righty-hitting Anthony Volpe did some pregame work at third base on Wednesday. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026 Its aimless, contrived, misogynistic, convoluted, messy, overtly long, abysmal, repetative, slow, shallow, and downright awful. — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for abysmal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abysmal

Adjective

The bat lay on its back, soggy and wretched, here in the waning hours of this terrible day.

— Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
An ugly fight between teammates during training camp was a terrible start to a season that officially began with a loss against North Carolina, a game in Dublin that TCU essentially sold, against the desires of Dykes.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of terrible

Adjective

Thunder general manager Sam Presti didn’t specify how long both will miss, but they are expected to miss months, at a minimum, putting their availability for any playoff run — especially a deep one — in serious doubt.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
The formulation also contains the patented Cell-Ox Shield Technology, which combines sun protection with antioxidants for deeper skin protection.

— Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of deep

Adjective

A student victory would be a profound political shift in the Balkan country of some 6 million people, reminiscent of the defeat of Hungary’s Viktor Orban in April.

— Reuters, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026
The shifts could have profound implications for the more than $5 trillion in assets managed by family offices.

— Robert Frank, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of profound

Adjective

Disease that has spread to those organs is associated with poorer treatment outcomes.

— Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
They were frustrated with teacher shortages and poor conditions at schools, including overcrowded classrooms and dilapidated buildings.

— James Cirrone , Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of poor

Adjective

In Obsession’s most horrifying sequence, the audience senses something awful is about to unfold several beats before the frenzy of blunt-force head trauma actually takes place on screen.

— Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
As Philip awaits trial at home, Lucy processes the shock, too smart to believe this is all some awful misunderstanding.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of awful

Adjective

At Hill Street bar, close to the downtown criminal courthouse where McKinney has built his career, supporters swayed to smooth jazz and Top 40 radio hits, nursing cocktails and betraying no reaction to the dismal early returns.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
The recent collapse of Brazil’s stock market following leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s reelection has extended a dismal run for Latin American equities, and analysts held out little hope for an imminent rebound.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of dismal

Adjective

In a season in which their offense has largely bounced back, the Chiefs have been atrocious at the goal line.

— Sam McDowell November 3, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
The offensive line was atrocious, giving up pressure after pressure and flailing helplessly in the run game too.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of atrocious

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abysm

abysmal

abysmally

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“Abysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abysmal. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of abysmal

adjective

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