1
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
the hellacious heat was more than we could bear
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hellacious
Scott’s hellacious run in hip-hop can be credited to his 100-plus Billboard Hot 100 entries and two blockbuster releases, 2018’s Astroworld and 2023’s Utopia, which both secured the top spot on the Billboard 200.
—
Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
The canine snarl and hellacious production of Whole Lotta Red has dissipated for something sleeker, more vaporous.
—Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2025
Caruso isn't the only reason why the Thunder boast such a hellacious defense this year, but he's been a major contributor to it.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Johnny Robles destroyed James Settle in just 20 seconds with a hellacious right cross.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for hellacious
Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
The canine snarl and hellacious production of Whole Lotta Red has dissipated for something sleeker, more vaporous.
—Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2025
Caruso isn't the only reason why the Thunder boast such a hellacious defense this year, but he's been a major contributor to it.
—Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Johnny Robles destroyed James Settle in just 20 seconds with a hellacious right cross.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for hellacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hellacious
Adjective
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Moster has long been a target of intense scorn in the Orthodox world.—
Asaf Elia-Shalev,
Sun Sentinel,
24 June 2025
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Beijing is also working to draw Europe closer as the continent faces intense pressure from Washington; for example, China has lifted sanctions on members of the European Parliament and dangled other concessions ahead of an EU-Chinese summit scheduled for July 2025.—
Oriana Skylar Mastro,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Attorney Nicole Blank Becker, who represents R. Kelly, told Fox News Digital that jurors, just like anyone else, have a difficult time separating emotions from charges.—
Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2025
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That would put the Federal Reserve in a difficult position.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Meta is also making major investments in geothermal technology as a less fossil fuel–intensive way to generate power.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
19 June 2025
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Apex scavengers are disproportionately affected by activities like intensive livestock production, land use changes and the wildlife trade.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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All of these factors combine to make AI adoption incredibly challenging, expensive and time-consuming.—
Dave Friend,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
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As such, piloting an FPV drone is a completely different, entirely more challenging kettle of fish than piloting a standard camera drone.—
Sam Kieldsen,
Wired News,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The Supreme Court cases that set off the fiercest conflicts among the justices aren’t always the hot-button ones.—
Dan McLaughlin,
National Review,
25 June 2025
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The land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties and bloody betrayals.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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However, generally speaking, insoluble fiber is commonly found in whole grains, bran, legumes, nuts, seeds, produce skins, and tough vegetables and fruits.—
Mara Santilli,
SELF,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The game needed overtime — the third game that went beyond regulation in the first four contests of the series — because Edmonton mounted a ferocious comeback after falling into a three-goal first period deficit.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
13 June 2025
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He’s been on a like-a-hurricane live roll lately with his ferocious new band the Chrome Hearts, who make their studio debut on Talkin to the Trees.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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Adopt a zero-trust security model that emphasizes rigorous access rules and constant authentication.—
Rob Lydic,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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The next afternoon, Gomes sat in and watched Ohtani throw a rigorous bullpen session to simulate multiple innings.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hellacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hellacious. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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