1
as in horrible
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment
that's an awful thing to say about someone
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in amazing
causing wonder or astonishment
the awful power of Niagara Falls
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in horrific
extremely disturbing or repellent
spare me the awful details of the murder
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in terrible
extremely unsatisfactory
I can't believe I spent good money to see that movie—it was awful
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in terribly
to a great degree
that's awful sweet of you
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of awful
Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Yes, these guys were great players but some of their decisions away from the diamond were awful, examples of what not to do.
—John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2025
Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2022
First, there is the question whether the awful-looking restraint maneuver Chauvin used was actually authorized at the time, or at least not clearly forbidden.
—D.j. Tice, Star Tribune, 20 Feb. 2021
See All Example Sentences for awful
Adjective
Exports of goods make up seven percent of our gross domestic product, which means that a decline won’t be awful.
—Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Yes, these guys were great players but some of their decisions away from the diamond were awful, examples of what not to do.
—John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2025
Adverb
Someone who has worked awful hard, has a great skill set, four years of college, four years of lifting, four years of game-planning at a high level in Division III.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2022
First, there is the question whether the awful-looking restraint maneuver Chauvin used was actually authorized at the time, or at least not clearly forbidden.
—D.j. Tice, Star Tribune, 20 Feb. 2021
See All Example Sentences for awful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awful
Adjective
-
However, her tragic demise spooks and haunts Jen, since her death is incredibly horrible and sad, rocking the whole Capesode community.—
Lisa Stardust,
People.com,
14 May 2025
-
Jurors viewed for a fifth time in two days the video footage of the horrible beating that followed.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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With some of the most history, art, and culture in the world packed into this small country, as well as amazing food and wine, this is a culture vulture’s paradise.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
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A lot of amazing stories that have aired have come from a collaboration between us and Ellen, and that’s why she’s been a part of the show for so long.—
Max Gao,
Variety,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Abuse Of Power: Season 1 (May 19) Long-running ID series American Monster enters a new chapter with Abuse of Power, a long-form series that takes on cases where horrific crimes and scandals were covered up and disposed of by authority figures.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
16 May 2025
-
Sheriff’s officials released footage that showed the horrific attack.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
One night the fish was very overcooked and covered with a terrible sauce.—
Sheah Rarback,
Miami Herald,
22 May 2025
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Djokovic knew he’d be seeded to play one of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev or Taylor Fritz in the quarters, and in the end landed Zverev, which isn’t a terrible outcome, but would leave him with a possible Sinner-Alcaraz double bill in the semifinals and final to lift the trophy.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Adverb
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The Celtics are doing that and shooting terribly, following up a 25 percent 3-point shooting performance in Game 1 with a 25 percent performance in Game 2.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
8 May 2025
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Listen to this article 2 min Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce will be getting his steps in after his Game 2 Celtics-Knicks prediction ended terribly for him.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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The series between the Warriors and the Rockets was slow, low scoring, and ugly—which is exactly how the younger, less experienced Rockets wanted it.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
11 May 2025
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This wasn’t the first time Green was subjected to ugly behavior from opposing fans.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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Its deep, shiny green foliage is a wonderful complement to the perfectly peachy hue of each rose.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 May 2025
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Colombia’s coastal cities are famous for their cuisine, but don’t overlook their wonderful street foods.—
Cat Sposato,
AFAR Media,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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It was later discovered he had been killed in a gruesome attack that U.S. intelligence says was ordered by the country's de facto leader Mohammed bin Salman.—
Domenico Montanaro,
NPR,
16 May 2025
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But the rich emotional depth of that film is matched in Bring Her Back, a horror movie that delights in gruesome practical effects but also presents a nuanced character study, with little judgement passed on its bereaved antagonist, Laura.—
Madison Bloom,
Pitchfork,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Awful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awful. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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