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terrible

adjective

ˈter-ə-bəl How to pronounce terrible (audio)
Definition of terriblenext
1
as in horrible
causing fear a terrible nightmare that woke me up

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect I have a terrible headache

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in horrific
extremely disturbing or repellent that is a terrible movie to let your six-year-old watch

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in awful
extremely unsatisfactory this nonfat ice cream is terrible

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in poor
of low quality manufactures terrible clothes that often tear after a single wash

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 terrible Their defense looked really good in the second half against the Jets, but terrible in the second half against the Vikings. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026 Faced with the likelihood of a terrible 2026, VW may speed up its plan to shrink its workforce. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026 After a terrible start in Week 1, Denver’s stingy defense returned to form. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026 One is malevolent humans weaponizing AI to do terrible things. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrible
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrible
  1. horrible
  2. intense
  3. horrific
  4. awful
  5. poor
  6. terrifying
  7. intensive
  8. gruesome
Adjective
  • At its worst, cognitive impairment can be a horrible, life-altering disease for patient and loved ones.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Doubs had a horrible debut in the league’s season opener last week against the Seattle Seahawks.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • The coalition led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Socialists announced the new measures earlier Tuesday, after four days of intense protests centered around an encampment in Puerta del Sol, Madrid's most iconic plaza.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Consequently, the resulting economic stimulus, inflationary pressure, and intense competition for capital could propel the 10 year US Treasury yield toward a high of 6% before next January.
    — , CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of intense
Adjective
  • He will be punished, defense says Facing the jury, Brenner said they will be exposed to horrific photographs that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
  • In truly horrific news, a Frankfort mom is accused of killing her 2-year-old son after allegedly following the trial of Lindsay Clancy with great interest.
    — Hilary Gowins, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of horrific
Adjective
  • On Saturday in Orlando playing against a Central Florida team that was without its starting quarterback and three other starters, TCU was awful in a 21-13 loss in the Big 12 opener for both teams.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Nicky Lopez, Brett Phillips, Tim Hill and Mike Moustakas spent stints in an awful 2024 season that saw the White Sox set an MLB record with 121 losses.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of awful
Adjective
  • Because of the drought, woodland deer food is not abundant in most of the state this year, and what exists is in poor condition with low nutritional value.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The Maracana's turf has been a concern for almost two weeks due to its poor shape amid a long season in Brazilian soccer.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of poor
Adjective
  • Although the encounter itself was terrifying, revelations about Shrine’s past have compounded her fears.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The movie blows up, and so are do lives—in exciting, but also terrifying, ways.
    — Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • The process needed to refine diesel is more intensive, however.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Currently, more intensive solutions like a replacement are likely better for people at more advanced stages.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of intensive
Adjective
  • The scene-stealing role brought her a best supporting actress Oscar nomination, a rarity for comedy — especially given that in the film’s famously gruesome food poisoning set-piece, Megan uses a sink as a toilet.
    — Kate Aurthur, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Lizzie, who was 32 years old at the time and living at home, became the prime suspect in the gruesome murders, and was arrested and charged shortly after their deaths.
    — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of gruesome

Phrases Containing terrible

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terrestrial
terrible
terribleness
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Cite this Entry

“Terrible.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrible. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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