1
as in terrifying
causing fear
a dreadful hurricane
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in awful
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment
a dreadful performance of a beautiful piece of music
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in horrific
extremely disturbing or repellent
dreadful news of a crime wave in the neighborhood
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4
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
the dreadful heat of the desert
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5
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions
made a dreadful mess of his first marriage
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dreadful
And, frankly, the Wolves job is not one to attract a stellar cast of applicants in the wake of a chaotic summer and a dreadful start to the season.
—
Steve Madeley, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
This dreadful pseudo-action film stars Jessica Chastain as the titular hitwoman-with-a-conscience who is struggling with her past, with her family, with alcoholism, and so forth.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
Treinen, for example, was dreadful in the month of September, with five losses en route to a 2-7 regular season.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
The Charlotte 49ers were on the brink of pulling out a season-changing upset through three quarters against North Texas (7-1, 3-1 American), but a dreadful fourth quarter brought Tim Albin’s upset hopes crashing down, losing 54-20 in a Friday night blowout.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dreadful
Steve Madeley, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
This dreadful pseudo-action film stars Jessica Chastain as the titular hitwoman-with-a-conscience who is struggling with her past, with her family, with alcoholism, and so forth.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
Treinen, for example, was dreadful in the month of September, with five losses en route to a 2-7 regular season.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
The Charlotte 49ers were on the brink of pulling out a season-changing upset through three quarters against North Texas (7-1, 3-1 American), but a dreadful fourth quarter brought Tim Albin’s upset hopes crashing down, losing 54-20 in a Friday night blowout.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dreadful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dreadful
Adjective
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But a computer sensor wasn’t needed to confirm his terrifying speed.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
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Desperate to prove his mettle, Dek seeks out a terrifying creature of Yautja lore, determined to be the first of his kind to slay it.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
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
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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Gas and dust fall into a rotating disk around the black hole, and as the debris spirals more rapidly, it becomes superheated, releasing intense radiation.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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True Ipomea batatas has bright orange flesh (although modern varieties have much more intense colors than older forms), occasionally white and rarely purple.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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But seemingly by sheer willpower, Meredith holds out her hand, which sends the liquid back in the opposite direction toward Britani.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
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The actress dares to bare her briefs in this Ulla Johnson set featuring a shockingly sheer skirt teamed with a ombré effect sequin top.—
Brittany Talarico,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 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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The long-range scoring of Sandell and Thomas provided the night’s most memorable moments, but Mateer helped pace the offense after an ugly 99-yard first half, racking up 252 yards in the second.—
David Ubben,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
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Advertisement Ugly sentiments deserve ugly art, though Jude takes a nuanced stance on this matter.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Von had been Trump-friendly before the gruesome and heartbreaking videos of the ICE raids targeting working immigrants started going viral on social media.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
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Daniels suffered his gruesome non-throwing-arm injury during the fourth quarter of Week 9's blowout loss to the Seahawks.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dreadful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dreadful. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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