awfulness

noun

Definition of awfulnessnext
as in dreadfulness
the quality of inspiring intense dread or dismay the awfulness of the car accident can scarcely be described

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 awfulness In a world so full of dread and awfulness, why not take a moment to read anonymous petty literary gossip on the internet? — Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026 The relative excitement around the Rockies having arrived in San Diego at 6-6 is a reaction based on their relative awfulness. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026 Perhaps its incorporation of vogue ideas dazzles critics who might otherwise discern its awfulness (Amazon’s Transparent). — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026 Traditionally a dumping ground for films studios have no belief in, the first month of the year occasionally offers up films that stand out, whether due to memeability, genuine quality, or sheer rancid awfulness. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2026 Michael’s awfulness and aggression drew a lot of heat his way and helped activate most of the cast into what will hopefully be a competitive back half. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2026 On the farthest rung of awfulness, the New York Jets became the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without intercepting a pass. — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 6 Jan. 2026 Hence the modest point spread despite Jets’ awfulness. — Greg Cote january 1, Miami Herald, 1 Jan. 2026 Up-market producer David Susskind railed for four hours about the awfulness of the boob tube. — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awfulness
  1. horror
  2. atrocity
  3. ghastliness
  4. hideousness
  5. gruesomeness
Noun
  • Her controlled world is turned into a site of emotional horror as a new reality dawns, created and dominated by autonomous feelings.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But while Cartman and Ike are in Sephora, they get enticed into going into the backrooms with an employee, which look straight out of Kane Parsons’ horror film.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of horror
Noun
  • The Monitor's View This year’s award went to a South African jurist who not only reshaped international law but also says her inspiration came from survivors of atrocities who never gave up their dignity.
    — the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Many of the Russian journalists working in Ukraine at the start of the war, where atrocities wage on, now have criminal cases against them.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of atrocity
Noun
  • No amount of gore or ghastliness is off limits for the series, produced by horror champions Blumhouse, as Nicole Kidman's titular medical examiner pores over the remains of the dead.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
Definition of ghastliness
Noun
  • What makes your own skin crawl isn’t just the hideousness of the violence but the unblinking matter-of-factness with which DaCosta films it.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 16 Jan. 2026
Definition of hideousness
Noun
  • Words cannot even begin to adequately express the utter gruesomeness of this crime.
    — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The result is depressingly rizzless for something based on a game famous for its gruesomeness.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Definition of gruesomeness

Browse Nearby Words

awfully
awfulness
awing
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Cite this Entry

“Awfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awfulness. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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