Synonyms of nightmarish

nightmarish

adjective

as in gruesome

extremely disturbing or repellent

a photographic exhibit of nightmarish images from the wars of the 20th century

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nightmarish

That’s a nightmarish output compared to the 87 catches, 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns from his rookie season in 2024, especially as the Jaguars’ offense improved across the board around him. — The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Their interaction precedes one of the film’s most nightmarish moments, involving a mixture of practical and special effects that Patel compares to An American Werewolf in London. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Nolan’s vision and aesthetic is distinct, at once grounded and nightmarish, with plenty of little bits added or changed, but the spirit of the story intact. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez keep a tight rein on this surreal, nightmarish classic. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026

With Boston sealing the sweep on a game-winning single from Jarren Duran, a nightmarish, long weekend at Fenway Park came to a painful end for the Bombers. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026

On the other end of the spectrum was a nightmarish third inning in which the hosts scored 10 runs. — Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026

What begins as a simple burglary spirals into a nightmarish ordeal after one sister throws out her back and becomes immobilized on the second floor. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 June 2026

At first glance, Codey looks like a nightmarish character from the year 3000. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 17 June 2026