Synonyms of horrific

horrific

adjective

hȯ-ˈri-fik 

as in gruesome

extremely disturbing or repellent

horrific images of the devastation spurred many people to give generously

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gruesome
• shocking
• horrible
• terrible
• nightmare
• horrifying
• frightening
• terrifying
• awful
• terrific
• dreadful
• hideous
• appalling
• nightmarish
• scary
• grisly
• horrid
• horrendous
• ghastly
• sickening
• macabre
• atrocious
• frightful
• monstrous
• disgusting
• lurid
• alarming
• ugly
• fearful
• dire
• obscene
• grotesque
• formidable
• direful
• heinous
• loathsome
• revolting
• repulsive
• offensive
• unspeakable
• deplorable
• abhorrent
• abominable
• fearsome
• gut-wrenching
• repugnant
• odious
• disagreeable
• evil
• obnoxious
• intimidating
• vile
• forbidding
• distasteful
• bloodcurdling
• hair-raising
• nauseating
• heart-stopping
• noxious
• redoubtable
• noisome
• unsightly
• foul

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pleasant
• delightful
• attractive
• delicious
• enjoyable
• welcome
• appealing
• satisfying
• pleasurable
• agreeable
• pleasing
• delectable
• enticing
• inviting
• comforting
• soothing
• cheering

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of horrific

Leo tells me, surveying the horrific damage that people ask him to dig in the mud for their photos, their keepsakes, not their TVs or appliances. — Josh Fox, IndieWire, 17 July 2026

An opening scene flashes back to a horrific family murder in which one of two surviving foster children is found in the basement filled with figures constructed from chestnuts. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026

On one level, Knife is a story of survival and recovery after a horrific attack. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 July 2026

Mosley’s case drew the attention of Guardian Angel founder and 2025 Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, who stood with animal lovers in demanding a stiff penalty in response to the cat’s horrific death. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 10 July 2026