DREADFULLY Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

dreadfully

adverb

Definition of dreadfully

as in terribly

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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 dreadfully Although Yamaha has been dreadfully slow about bringing its motorcycles to India, the R2 made its global debut there this week. — Yamaha, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026 Made from 100 percent cotton, this lightweight number is extremely soft and a great option for dreadfully hot days. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2026 Part slasher parody, part meta commentary on the structure of horror movies, and fully riotous, Behind the Mask is a dreadfully under-appreciated contribution to the subgenre that would have made for a terrific franchise. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026 Especially early in its career, Hum was dreadfully misclassified as just another soft-to-loud/Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana wannabe, and remained criminally under-appreciated for its heavy/stoner-friendly Midwestern shoegaze vibes long after its breakup. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 16 May 2026 More than anything, this documentary is dreadfully dull. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026 That’s another company with a stock that acts dreadfully. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026 Shin Godzilla, written and directed by Hideaki Anno of Neon Genesis Evangelion fame, comes the closest because it’s inspired by its own all-too-recent tragedy and feels dreadfully specific in its metaphor. — James Grebey, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026 For 20 games, opponents often shot dreadfully from distance against Miami, whether the three-point attempts were heavily contested or not. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dreadfully

Adverb

The wish, of course, goes terribly wrong, leading to bloody consequences for Bear, Nikki and their friends.

— Jack Dunn, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026
Fortunately, if no less terribly, there is more to the story, and many of the most compelling scenes have little or nothing to do with Michael.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of terribly

Adverb

That seems awfully relevant to the idea of creating a new agency to regulate AI, which Schiff supports doing.

— Nilay Patel, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026
In Bowers, tight end Travis Kelce may be looking in the mirror at his younger self, though the soon-to-be 37-year-old has looked awfully spry himself during the first three games of the season.

— Pete Sweeney October 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of awfully

Adverb

One night, Cathy (Pugh) arrives at their doorstep, horribly beaten and seemingly unable to remember her past.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026
The depiction of schizophrenia on screen — especially in horror movies — has largely seen the mental health condition linked to violent and unpredictable rages, showing people when something has gone horribly wrong.

— Alex Ritman, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of horribly

Adverb

The less said about Bryan’s horrendously gauche fuchsia-and-gold dress with puffy armholes and halter neck the better.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
Too little regulation could allow the unleashing of devilish AI that might wipe us out or at least be horrendously destructive.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of horrendously

Adverb

Of course, wealth taxes would produce revenues that could be directed to useful purposes, such as expanding government programs or reducing the disastrously high federal deficit.

— Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
If New York’s futility continues, those decisions could age disastrously.

— Peter Baugh, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of disastrously

Adverb

Rhys gets to play Mayor Tom’s traumatic reactions to being stalked by a Sea Hag to great effect both comedically and horrifically.

— Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026
The show must go on, however, and once the Bühnenstürmer (stage stormers) had been dealt with, hardy Ole carried on with his character’s near 20-minute monologue calmly, horrifically championing ultra-right political and cultural views.

— Matt Thompson, SPIN, 31 July 2026

Definition of horrifically

Adverb

A week ago, the Chiefs defense opened so poorly that coordinator Steve Spagnuolo provided a reality check on the sideline in the first quarter.

— Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026
Even though the score was 27-27 in the fourth quarter and SC's defense seemed to get a stop on a long third down, a trademark poorly timed, and frankly absurd and ridiculous, roughing the passer penalty gave the Ducks a free first down.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of poorly

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“Dreadfully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dreadfully. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of dreadfully

adverb

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