as in horror
the quality of inspiring intense dread or dismay
the ghastliness of the Holocaust can scarcely be described
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ghastliness
Noun
-
In late September 2020, the hospitality world, including foodies around the world, watched in horror as parts of this beloved resort, including the restaurant, were consumed by the Glass Fire.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026 -
The horror films that stay with me are the ones that feel personal first and supernatural second, and this movie blends pulpy genre thrills with a story about masculinity and power.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The family is known for murdering its own members, planning atrocities with wildfire, and generally unleashing a draconian rage on the commoners of Westeros.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2026
-
It was created in 1995 in the aftermath of mass atrocities in Rwanda, Somalia and Bosnia.—
John T. Shaw,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
There is no way to sugarcoat the awfulness of those months of anxiety.—
Kate Callen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
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
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.
Cite this Entry
“Ghastliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ghastliness. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
