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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hellacious
The film bluntly communicates the danger of football on the body and brain, with X-ray-vision scenes that show players’ skeletons bearing the impact of hellacious hits.
—
Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025
Even in the hellacious conditions of Greater Los Angeles, the suspension absorbs severe potholes, broken surfaces and expansion joints with little more than the sound of a muffled timpani strike.
—Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
The other nailed two runners on the bases with some of the most hellacious throws anyone had ever seen.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Just when the series appeared to begin tilting toward Indiana deep into Game 4, with a 3-1 Pacers lead a real possibility, Lu Dort's hellacious defense helped force Indiana into tough shots and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring rescued Oklahoma City.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hellacious
Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025
Even in the hellacious conditions of Greater Los Angeles, the suspension absorbs severe potholes, broken surfaces and expansion joints with little more than the sound of a muffled timpani strike.
—Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
The other nailed two runners on the bases with some of the most hellacious throws anyone had ever seen.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Just when the series appeared to begin tilting toward Indiana deep into Game 4, with a 3-1 Pacers lead a real possibility, Lu Dort's hellacious defense helped force Indiana into tough shots and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring rescued Oklahoma City.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hellacious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hellacious
Adjective
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The family dynamics of the show hadn’t been seen in any other franchise and made for some strong alliances against other members of the cast, as well as intense drama.—
Jenni Fink,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
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In an intense Instagram post Thursday, her 44th, the mother of three included various family album style photos over the last few years, plus some words of wisdom.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Cue, Helm’s first rejection, abandonment, difficult emotions.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
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This character was actually quite difficult for me.—
Gavin J Blair,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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His label pioneered the industry’s intensive training system, recruiting performers as young as elementary school age and putting them through years of rigorous preparation.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
2 Nov. 2025
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Though similarly intensive, Leni's look provided a stark contrast to mom Heidi’s costume, which leaned more spooky than cute — and took inspiration from an older tale.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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With launch costs extremely high, sending a large platform to orbit is challenging.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Nov. 2025
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Their league schedule in the Southland Conference includes a challenging February road stretch through Texas, and non-conference begins with a high-profile matchup against the Kentucky Wildcats.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Elizabeth’s determination not to settle the succession gave rise to fierce rivalry between the claimants to the English throne, among them Mary, Queen of Scots and her son James VI; James’s cousin Arbella Stuart; Lady Katherine Grey and her descendants; and Henry Hastings, Earl of Huntingdon.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
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Yet plans to expand America’s lab-monkey stockpile have been met with fierce opposition.—
Ava Kofman,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Whether or not Takaichi's administration is as tough on immigration issues as her campaign rhetoric suggests, some observers warn that failing to actively invest in and integrate foreign nationals into society will have lasting harm on Asia’s second-largest economy.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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Without a consolidation of that vote in the final stretch, Mamdani appears tough to beat.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Just a big ferocious ball of meat, claws, and teeth.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
31 Oct. 2025
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Though the storm did not make a direct hit on Haiti, its ferocious rains caused rivers to flood and jump their banks.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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All in all, even a moderate approach was like 12-hours of rigorous cardio.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
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His label pioneered the industry’s intensive training system, recruiting performers as young as elementary school age and putting them through years of rigorous preparation.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hellacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hellacious. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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