Synonyms of hellacious

hellacious

adjective

ˌhe-ˈlā-shəs 

1

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect

the hellacious heat was more than we could bear

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intense
• intensive
• fierce
• ferocious
• terrible
• deep
• furious
• heavy
• vicious
• violent
• dreadful
• acute
• profound
• explosive
• blistering
• frightful
• ghastly
• fearsome
• heavy-duty
• fearful
• excruciating
• exquisite
• vehement
• hard
• intensified
• almighty
• keen
• harsh
• aggravated
• heightened
• severe
• concentrated
• enhanced
• magnified
• exhaustive
• thorough
• accentuated
• stressed
• rigorous
• deepened
• emphasized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• moderate
• light
• soft
• weak
• feeble
• shallow
• superficial
• eased
• qualified
• decreased
• reduced
• subdued
• diminished
• moderated
• toned (down)
• lightened
• alleviated
• lessened
• abated

2

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort

the pioneers survived a particularly hellacious river crossing with their covered wagon barely in one piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difficult
• challenging
• tough
• rigorous
• formidable
• hard
• demanding
• heavy
• rough
• complicated
• severe
• grueling
• sweaty
• arduous
• murderous
• strenuous
• rugged
• backbreaking
• killer
• painful
• exhausting
• herculean
• effortful
• uphill
• laborious
• tall
• testing
• exacting
• intricate
• stiff
• toilsome
• serious
• complex
• brutal
• annoying
• problematic
• moiling
• stressful
• pick-and-shovel
• elusive
• grim
• bruising
• oppressive
• tricky
• stubborn
• troublesome
• Augean
• thorny
• involved
• hairy
• onerous
• abstruse
• abstract
• irksome
• knotty
• tight
• labored
• burdensome
• insoluble
• recondite
• trying
• spiny
• opaque
• bothersome
• strict
• vexatious
• stringent
• distressing
• cruel
• ticklish
• grievous
• taxing
• inhuman

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• light
• simple
• cheap
• soft
• mindless
• effortless
• manageable
• clear
• undemanding
• elementary
• uncomplicated
• doable
• facile
• smooth
• achievable
• gentle
• soothing
• painless
• comforting
• relaxed
• friendly
• accessible
• user-friendly
• idiotproof

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hellacious

His hellacious brand of defense is a nightmare for opposing benches in particular. — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

The skiers were in a valley below Perry Peak, but the two survivors have described battling through hellacious conditions in the hour before the avalanche. — Andrew Graham april 2, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2026

But the tour was a hellacious time for Bachman. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026

Even against a hellacious Houston defense, the Patriots’ shortest path to victory is to ask Maye to carry them yet again. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 15 Jan. 2026