HORRIBLE Synonyms: 273 Similar and Opposite Words

horrible 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhȯr-ə-bəl

Definition of horrible

as in horrific

extremely disturbing or repellent a horrible car accident that left eyewitnesses in a state of shock

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in terrifying

causing fear a horrible scream that made shivers go up and down our spines

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in awful

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment I can never forgive her for the horrible way she treated me

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in terrible

extremely unsatisfactory I'm never going back to that restaurant; the service was horrible

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

horrible

2 of 2

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 horrible

Adjective

De Niro and Scott are on hand as an estranged father and son who are brought back together when Scott’s character’s young son is abducted after the pair move back to his sleepy hometown after a horrible tragedy. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 July 2026 The toll was horrible, with some families suffering multiple deaths and injuries. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026 This dogmatic approach to revolutionary citizenship led to the horrible treatment of any perceived as nonconformist, such as LGBTQ people, hippies or punks. — Juan Carlos Albarran, The Conversation, 13 July 2026 Plus, Palmer is a horrible person — in this case, the victim is much more despicable than the thieves. — Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for horrible

Recent Examples of Synonyms for horrible

Adjective

Her family members could be seen getting emotional as the detective described the horrific scene.

— Alex Stone, ABC News, 21 July 2026
The end of this horrific tableau draws a distinct difference between Loustat and Loumand.

— Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of horrific

Adjective

Torres – one of Barcelona’s key men up front – had been having an awful tournament, missing a plethora of chances throughout Spain’s campaign and being benched after starting against Cape Verde.

— Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
In a clearing in the forest, his younger selves sit at a long table with the abbott, who is wearing the final boss of season three’s awful wigs.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Definition of awful

Noun

Mayra Velasquez was charged with capital murder by terror threat on Friday, July 17, according to prison records seen by PEOPLE.

— Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
In line with the episode’s gothic theme, the women’s smiles, while somewhat genuine, carry a hint of terror.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Definition of terror

Adjective

Multiple gruesome photos of the crime scene were exhibited on screen during the first day of the preliminary hearing Tuesday, showing a garbage bag with limbs inside, as well as Rivas’ bloody head and torso.

— Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
Directed by James Watkins and written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, the film places one of the most gruesome villains from the DC universe front and center.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

Definition of gruesome

Adjective

However, changing the Social Security formula to a means-testing base, and applying it immediately to all existing Social Security recipients, is a frightening idea.

— U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2026
Panettiere's pregnancy was marked by a series of frightening health scares.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of frightening

Adjective

Deer-Proof Your Garden To keep your flowers from being gobbled up by deer—one of the most heartbreaking of all garden misfortunes—choose flowers that people find glorious and deer find disgusting.

— Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 13 July 2026
Where critics see disgusting piles of stuff, hoarders see more.

— Shivali H. Patra, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

Definition of disgusting

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Style

“Horrible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horrible. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of horrible

adjective

noun

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