DREADFUL Synonyms: 308 Similar and Opposite Words

dreadful

adjective

ˈdred-fəl

Definition of dreadful

as in terrifying

causing fear a dreadful hurricane

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in awful

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment a dreadful performance of a beautiful piece of music

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in horrific

extremely disturbing or repellent dreadful news of a crime wave in the neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect the dreadful heat of the desert

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sheer

having no exceptions or restrictions made a dreadful mess of his first marriage

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 dreadful Perhaps he was compromised in some way, but that performance was dreadful. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 15 June 2026 World Cup qualifying wins over Argentina and Brazil in 2023 were followed by a dreadful stretch with just one win in 12 games between summer of 2024 and summer of 2025. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 June 2026 But vengeance demons don’t grant wishes to be helpful and Cordelia soon realizes she’s made a dreadful mistake. — ArsTechnica, 7 June 2026 Blending trenchant social commentary with genuine thrills, the film explores terror on both a surface and subconscious level as Chris tries to escape his dreadful fate — one that is arguably worse than death. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dreadful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dreadful

Adjective

But getting that fissile material off the launchpad safely remains a terrifying engineering hurdle.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
After Weyland-Yutani’s spaceship collides with Prodigy City, Wendy and the other hybrids encounter mysterious life forms more terrifying than anyone could have ever imagined.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 July 2026

Definition of terrifying

Adjective

One year Pippa Middleton faced the awful shame of having to sit in a normal seat after showing up late.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Sugar is at the forensic lab with the corpse of a man who looks an awful lot like Ji Moon but isn’t Ji Moon (courtesy of Shea Whigham as Tom Flybjerg).

— Andy Andersen, Vulture, 27 June 2026

Definition of awful

Adjective

Gerardi and his horrific murder have remained relevant in the decades since.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026
To be sure, the thugs of Hamas and Hezbollah committed a horrific massacre of young Jewish civilians enjoying a music festival on October 7, 2023.

— DP Opinion, Denver Post, 6 July 2026

Definition of horrific

Adjective

During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026
Treating fear and anxiety in dogs doesn’t always require a bigger yard or a more intense exercise routine.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026

Definition of intense

Adjective

The divisive trend first crossed my desk when Jennifer Lawrence stepped out in Paloma Wool’s sheer sarong-style version of the piece last summer, pairing the flowy garment with a cool oversized T-shirt and strappy sling-backs.

— Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 11 July 2026
Perfumers often create this effect with notes like white musk, skin musk, aldehydes, watery florals, sheer woods, and delicate citrus, which together can evoke a cozy sense of self-care.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Even when Romanzy goes off on how stupid and ugly Caleb is — and gossips that his parents abandoned him because something must be wrong with him — Mary goes along with it.

— Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 11 July 2026
Featuring the good, the bad and the ugly, ‘Look of the Week’ is a regular series dedicated to unpacking the most talked about outfit of the last seven days.

— Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

Definition of ugly

Adjective

The more time passes, the more gruesome the recovery process becomes, said William Gomez, a firefighter in La Guaira.

— Fernanda Pesce, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Family and loved ones are remembering Brittany Clark, the former Sacramento resident and Kennedy High School student killed by an alligator in a Florida river, as officials there released new details of the gruesome attack.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of gruesome

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“Dreadful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dreadful. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of dreadful

adjective

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