ABYSMALLY Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

abysmally

adverb

Definition of abysmally

as in horribly

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 abysmally Trade talks between Washington and Ottawa ended abysmally in late August, spurring a new wave of tit-for-tat tariffs on hundreds of consumer goods. — Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026 In practice, this meant that the state set abysmally low standards for what students should learn to advance and graduate. — Rachel Canter, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026 Reports on abysmally low rates of recycling for milk cartons and polystyrene had been widely shared even before that. — Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026 Despite the robotic-like confidence coming from the Kremlin’s top policymakers and propagandists, the Russian army’s territorial gains over the last year have been abysmally small. — Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 Four months after his death, a handful of late 1960s recordings Marley and the Wailers cut for American soul singer Johnny Nash and his business partner, Danny Sims, were rushed out on a slapdash compilation, abysmally titled Chances Are–the first cash-in of many to come. — Eric Harvey, Pitchfork, 18 Jan. 2026 The attrition rate was abysmally high. — Snigdha Poonam, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025 Confidence in the media is abysmally low, a finding confirmed regularly by many pollsters asking many different questions. — Karlyn Bowman, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abysmally

Adverb

One night, Cathy (Pugh) arrives at their doorstep, horribly beaten and seemingly unable to remember her past.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026
The depiction of schizophrenia on screen — especially in horror movies — has largely seen the mental health condition linked to violent and unpredictable rages, showing people when something has gone horribly wrong.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of horribly

Adverb

Although Yamaha has been dreadfully slow about bringing its motorcycles to India, the R2 made its global debut there this week.

— Yamaha, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Made from 100 percent cotton, this lightweight number is extremely soft and a great option for dreadfully hot days.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of dreadfully

Adverb

A week ago, the Chiefs defense opened so poorly that coordinator Steve Spagnuolo provided a reality check on the sideline in the first quarter.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026
Even though the score was 27-27 in the fourth quarter and SC's defense seemed to get a stop on a long third down, a trademark poorly timed, and frankly absurd and ridiculous, roughing the passer penalty gave the Ducks a free first down.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of poorly

Adverb

That seems awfully relevant to the idea of creating a new agency to regulate AI, which Schiff supports doing.

— Nilay Patel, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026
In Bowers, tight end Travis Kelce may be looking in the mirror at his younger self, though the soon-to-be 37-year-old has looked awfully spry himself during the first three games of the season.

— Pete Sweeney October 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of awfully

Adverb

Of course, wealth taxes would produce revenues that could be directed to useful purposes, such as expanding government programs or reducing the disastrously high federal deficit.

— Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
If New York’s futility continues, those decisions could age disastrously.

— Peter Baugh, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of disastrously

Adverb

The less said about Bryan’s horrendously gauche fuchsia-and-gold dress with puffy armholes and halter neck the better.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
Too little regulation could allow the unleashing of devilish AI that might wipe us out or at least be horrendously destructive.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of horrendously

Browse Nearby Words

abysmal

abysmally

abysms

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Abysmally.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abysmally. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of abysmally

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

etiquette

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes