DREADFULNESS Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

dreadfulness

noun

Definition of dreadfulness

as in horror

the quality of inspiring intense dread or dismay the dreadfulness of an oncoming avalanche can scarcely be described

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for dreadfulness

Noun

The couple’s case files later became the basis for the Conjuring horror film series, one of the highest-grossing franchises in the genre.

— Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Oct. 2026
In my opinion, the second half of Vertigo is more psychological horror than mystery.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of horror

Noun

Six of its journalists were killed, including Anna Politkovskaya, who reported on atrocities during the second Chechen War at the start of Putin’s first term as Russian president.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Both as heir apparent and now as king, Charles has spoken about the atrocity of slavery during visits to Ghana, Barbados, Rwanda and Bermuda.

— Brooke N. Newman, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of atrocity

Noun

An offense run by a coach of McVay's stature should not struggle in as many basic aspects as this one did Sunday — and much of that awfulness was due to McVay's erratic play-calling and Stafford's inconsistent decisions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026
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, Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026

Definition of awfulness

Noun

The filmmakers delight in showing the gruesomeness of Matt’s nearly unrecognizable face as it’s being operated upon by ultimately unsuccessful cosmetic surgeons.

— Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Words cannot even begin to adequately express the utter gruesomeness of this crime.

— Paula Wethington, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of gruesomeness

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dreadfully

dreadfulness

dreading

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“Dreadfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dreadfulness. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of dreadfulness

noun

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