GHASTLINESS Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

ghastliness

noun

Definition of ghastliness

as in horror

the quality of inspiring intense dread or dismay the ghastliness of the Holocaust can scarcely be described

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 ghastliness No amount of gore or ghastliness is off limits for the series, produced by horror champions Blumhouse, as Nicole Kidman's titular medical examiner pores over the remains of the dead. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ghastliness

Noun

After a horror-heavy October, studios are rolling out their awards bait.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 4 Nov. 2026
Daisy Ridley, Sosie Bacon and Simon Rex are set to star in Get Rid of It, a horror project that Ry Russo-Young will direct from a script by Gemma Holdway.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of horror

Noun

Even the worst atrocity has its rightful place and is necessary to the scheme of things, even adding to the beauty.

— Artforum, Artforum, 4 Nov. 2026
Today, 80 years on, survivors who witnessed the atrocities that Marie-Claude so meticulously put before the court — and the watching world — are sadly dwindling in number.

— Natalie Livingstone, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 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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gharry

ghastliness

ghastly

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Style

“Ghastliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ghastliness. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of ghastliness

noun

Example Sentences

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