GOD-AWFUL Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

god-awful

adjective

Definition of god-awful

as in awful

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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 god-awful The most god-awful studios are regularly renting for thousands and thousands of dollars with lines of interested tenants out the door. — Nora Deligter, Curbed, 26 June 2026 Every time the United States hosts a major international soccer tournament, the world’s finest players unite to complain about our god-awful fields. — Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 His meme humor and utter dedication to that god-awful nickname should be annoying. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for god-awful

Adjective

The Colts got whacked by the Ravens, and their new-look defense was awful.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2026
In one respect, John Harbaugh seems to have brought winning football back to New York New Jersey Stadium; conversely, the Cowboys’ defense is sufficiently awful to make even the lowliest opponent look like a contender.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of awful

Adjective

Much has been written about the power of artificial intelligence to improve life in myriad ways, but also about its truly horrible effects—now and going forward—if it isn’t managed properly.

— Nadine Hack, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
But the horrible scenes that unfolded before him were incomparable.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of horrible

Adjective

Another reason to feel supreme confidence in this team’s juggernaut potential is that Chicago’s defense appears to be just as hideous as the fantasy community had hoped.

— Andy Behrens, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Three seconds later, I was surrounded by hideous monsters who were probably nice kids before the local NBC news devoted the feature story on their prime-time show Weekend to an in-depth study of English punk.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of hideous

Adjective

As excavations for the foundation got underway, bones and decomposing bodies were found, releasing a horrid odor and spreading yellow fever across the island.

— Victoria Davies, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026
Cantu’s wife, who heard her husband, then exits the home and comes to the horrid realization that her husband is dead or dying on the front yard.

— Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of horrid

Adjective

Not many filmmakers can create something where moments as ugly as Billy’s scatological lectures coexist so elegantly with moments of honest longing and tragedy (and, in one or two moments, tentative hope).

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
The hate being lobbed at Sheeran is also an unpleasant reminder of the extreme and ugly bullying tactics of the online left.

— Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of ugly

Adjective

No sooner had the Chiefs’ abominable 2025 season (6-11) come to an end, team president Mark Donovan said last month, than the organization pivoted to 2026.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026
That led to cycles of reform and renovation, as well as backlash, chiefly from cultural conservatives, who saw the adoption of western European habits and attitudes as abominable and even heretical.

— Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of abominable

Adjective

Villa’s slow start is offset by our horrendous recent record at Villa Park, including the painful end of our European dream.

— Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
But if the Jets get off to another horrendous start, would Glenn still be the coach?

— Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of horrendous

Adjective

Kraus’ paean to peace is written in the most luxurious and loathsome language imaginable — in one very long and fractured sentence.

— The Know, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2026
People commonly used tobacco to treat many ailments, including indigestion, respiratory problems, pain and loathsome mouth afflictions.

— Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Definition of loathsome

Browse Nearby Words

God's acres

god-awful

goddess

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Style

“God-awful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/god-awful. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of god-awful

adjective

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