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terrific

adjective

tə-ˈri-fik How to pronounce terrific (audio)
Definition of terrificnext
1
as in excellent
of the very best kind you've done a terrific job on this report

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruesome
extremely disturbing or repellent a terrific murder that sickened even hard-bitten police officers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 terrific None resulted in hits, though Matt Olson’s groundball with the bases loaded in the fourth inning would have been if not for Arraez’s terrific diving stop. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 Bread, onions, and cheese are a terrific trio to fill your 13 x 9 dish. — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026 Odunze had a terrific 47-yard reception in the first quarter, and then one more catch for 5 yards the rest of the way. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 Pechman’s terrific cast includes Lukita Maxwell, Iris Apatow, Ruby Cruz, Daniel Zolghadri, AnnaSophia Robb, Delaney Rowe and Jake Lacy. — Carole Horst, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrific
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrific
  1. excellent
  2. gruesome
  3. wonderful
  4. horrific
  5. great
  6. shocking
  7. superb
  8. terrible
Adjective
  • Her excellent debut, 2007’s Free Food for Millionaires, features upwardly mobile Korean Americans whose desire for security Lee portrayed both sympathetically and critically.
    — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • If that feels unattainable, though, Baldino’s other spots are equally excellent and open to anyone.
    — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • On a more altruistic front, Leighton also stands ready to end a gruesome pandemic in another world, turning up with vaccines and medications like a multidimensional DoorDash service.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Where does that leave the gruesome project that binds them together?
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of gruesome
Adjective
  • Reclaiming the work of women selling fish, and the word that was an insult but is now a beautiful brand, is a wonderful turn of phrase and time, to us.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But De Santis is also wonderful at the end of the day, when the sun sets and Milan slowly begins to wind down.
    — Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • Still, Joe feels responsible and apologizes to Michelle, who, despite probably being in horrific pain, is a very good sport about the whole thing.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Part of a Lavallette, New Jersey, liquor store was boarded up and a bouquet of flowers was left outside Sunday night, somber reminders of a horrific crash that killed a woman a day earlier.
    — Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of horrific
Adjective
  • Indeed, as much as Chicago has looked to past mayors as larger-than-life figures, the city rarely has accomplished anything great without the active involvement of its business community.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Evolution When asked about the greatest innovation of humans, people will often say language or fire.
    — Hannah Little, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • His naked illusion dresses — the first worn by actress Mitzi Gaynor for a 1969 television special — was at first shocking but became liquid gold for Mackie, solidifying his legacy as a costume and fashion designer.
    — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • While Week 2 of the college football season was filled with drama, the typical chaos, and the game of the year with Texas-Ohio State, the most shocking result of the weekend was Oklahoma State's upset win over the Oregon Ducks.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of shocking
Adjective
  • His homemaker mother Leonor (a superb Maude Sandham) and his 17-year-old sister Ilse (Karoline Watson) complete the immaculate family portrait, but there’s unrest there too.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Now, however, the boutique physical media label Fun City Editions has released a superb Blu-ray of the film, featuring both a gorgeous restoration and illuminating supplements.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • After a terrible start in Week 1, Denver’s stingy defense returned to form.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Eventually, Håkan is forced to participate in this omnipresent bloodshed, at a terrible cost to his soul and his reputation.
    — Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of terrible

Browse Nearby Words

terribly
terrific
terrifically
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrific.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrific. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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