1
as in dreadfulness
the quality of inspiring intense dread or dismay
it's difficult to even begin to comprehend the horror of the Holocaust
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nightmare
a situation or state that causes great suffering and unhappiness
had never experienced the horrors of war
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3
4
as in fear
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
imagine my horror at finding myself face to face with a lion on the loose
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5
as in disgust
a dislike so strong as to cause stomach upset or queasiness
cat lover or no, she regards cleaning the litter box with horror
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of horror
Earlier this year, some of the best writers and directors in contemporary horror received an intriguing invitation.
—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
23 June 2026
The show, following an anime spin on the famous Black sheriff Bass Reeves, is a combo of steampunk, Western, supernatural horror and family drama, animated at Studio Mir in Korea.
—
Kambole Campbell,
Variety,
23 June 2026
One post from February features a self-portrait to which Longo added ominous, discordant music and the grain of a CCTV camera, like a prisoner in a horror movie.
—
Christopher Hooks,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
Welcome to Derry, HBO's prequel to the 2017 and 2019 horror hits based on Stephen King's most nightmare-conjuring creation.
—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for horror
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
23 June 2026
The show, following an anime spin on the famous Black sheriff Bass Reeves, is a combo of steampunk, Western, supernatural horror and family drama, animated at Studio Mir in Korea.
—
Kambole Campbell,
Variety,
23 June 2026
One post from February features a self-portrait to which Longo added ominous, discordant music and the grain of a CCTV camera, like a prisoner in a horror movie.
—
Christopher Hooks,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
Welcome to Derry, HBO's prequel to the 2017 and 2019 horror hits based on Stephen King's most nightmare-conjuring creation.
—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for horror
Recent Examples of Synonyms for horror
Noun
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According to Reuters, the United States and European Union raised concerns that the resolution could be interpreted as creating a hierarchy among crimes against humanity by treating some atrocities as more serious than others.
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The genocidal atrocities uncovered in Bucha were televised internationally.
Noun
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Throw in an undercover mission to catch a mall theft ring and Riley’s got herself a true nightmare before Christmas.
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What initially seems like the perfect place for a rescue mission quickly turns into a nightmare.
Noun
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The reason can be explained by a Japanese proverb about the importance of leaving no mess.
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Clean high-traffic areas or rooms where pets and kids tend to cause messes more frequently.
Noun
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As Kennedy and Bessette spend more time together and grow closer, her intimidation of the spotlight and fear of invasive paparazzi often create tension in their relationship, despite his attempts to calm the situation.
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Throughout the whole battle, that’s when fear really sets in for Jace.
Noun
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The Waste Land’s overarching theme was the disillusionment and disgust of the period after World War I (1914–18).
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When a father in an England jersey led his young sons toward the concourse, one lingered behind long enough to see Croatia’s Martin Baturina score in the 36th minute, after which the youngster registered his disgust.
Noun
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In a world so full of dread and awfulness, why not take a moment to read anonymous petty literary gossip on the internet?
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The relative excitement around the Rockies having arrived in San Diego at 6-6 is a reaction based on their relative awfulness.
Noun
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The agony of Sudan runs deep; its history is crisscrossed with blood.
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Or at least movies about soccer can, engaging with themes of race and gender, ego, hubris, economics, politics, fandom, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat — as well as, of course, unadulterated athleticism.
Noun
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Both O’Flynn and Rhys have had spotlight episodes so far this season, but will Emmys voters see the pathos and creativity behind the laughs and frights?
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Copyright 2025, all frights reserved.
Cite this Entry
“Horror.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horror. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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