1
as in horrific
extremely disturbing or repellent
an atrocious crime that shocked even hardened members of the police force
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in terrible
extremely unsatisfactory
the picture quality on the pirated DVD was atrocious
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in brutal
having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others
the atrocious treatment of prisoners at the camps
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of atrocious
His murders might be long in the past, but as the episode depicts, his atrocious acts appeared to inspire other serial killers, both real and fictional.
—
Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
On Saturday, in atrocious Ruhr Valley conditions, Schalke and Dortmund’s academies contested an under-17 derby.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
The team's offense has been absolutely atrocious to start 2025.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
The Patriots’ pass coverage without Christian Gonzalez, their atrocious inside linebacker play and roller-coaster special teams, which give any adoring fan a heart attack at a moment’s notice.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrocious
Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
On Saturday, in atrocious Ruhr Valley conditions, Schalke and Dortmund’s academies contested an under-17 derby.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
The team's offense has been absolutely atrocious to start 2025.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
The Patriots’ pass coverage without Christian Gonzalez, their atrocious inside linebacker play and roller-coaster special teams, which give any adoring fan a heart attack at a moment’s notice.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrocious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atrocious
Adjective
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As this horrific scene is being investigated, prayers on behalf of our entire International Union are with those killed, injured, and affected, including their families, co-workers, and loved ones.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
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The Washington Commanders took the brunt of criticism on Sunday after quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a horrific arm injury in the team’s 38-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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There have always been fascist forces, there have always been people who are just terrible in the American government, but at the same time, there are always people who have resisted, and there are always people who have still found ways to create joy, to create life, to create art, despite these.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
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Marchand’s terrible week ended with joy.—
Adam H. Beasley,
Miami Herald,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Recently, the vast majority have been coming from Sudan, embroiled in a brutal civil war which has displaced millions.—
Mick Krever,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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Musically, Lee took on the air of a woman revealing intimate truths about herself one year at a time, shedding layers as a way of rewarding patience with honesty, no matter how brutal.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Halloween was significantly more graphic than many of its predecessors, and Zombie said the gruesome violence was a deliberate choice and that it wasn’t supposed to be easy viewing.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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The five-minute mash-up rapidly intercuts scenes of happy domesticity (a loving mother, kids in face paint eating popcorn in front of the tube, teens affectionately goofing around) with gruesome murders committed by a beautiful little boy.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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And just SoundCloud having horrible protection.—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
4 Nov. 2025
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Unfortunately, Los Angeles received some horrible news regarding Doncic and Reaves ahead of its matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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In Pahani’s 2006 award-winning comedy Offside, about the cruel cultural chains binding Iranian women, a group of young women attempt to gain entry to a stadium to watch a World Cup qualifying match between Iran and Japan.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
24 Oct. 2025
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There is no reason to be cruel to people.—
Sigal Ratner-Arias,
Billboard,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Doncic has been extremely impressive in every appearance for the Lakers this season, marking his second year with the team after being traded midseason last year from the Dallas Mavericks in one of the most shocking moves in NBA history.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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The shocking murder of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, on Saturday was one of the episodes of violence that sparked these protests in the state.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The Pelicans have gotten off to an awful start, boasting an NBA-worst 0-6 record.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
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Humans can be awful, is one answer.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Atrocious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atrocious. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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