as in horrible
causing great and lasting pain or distress
The family struggled to cope with the traumatic experience of losing their home.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of traumatic
Ariel Winter recently opened up about the traumatic experience of being preyed upon by older men as a child actress in Hollywood.
—
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 July 2025
But maybe that’s just nostalgia creating a story in my mind, giving me something to hold onto during these traumatic times.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 12 July 2025
The fitness instructor and TV icon died as a result of blunt traumatic injuries, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office announced two months later.
—Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
Residents of the Cooper apartments displaced after a fire swept through their building organized a town hall Thursday to share information and socialize with others who endured same traumatic experience.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for traumatic
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 12 July 2025
But maybe that’s just nostalgia creating a story in my mind, giving me something to hold onto during these traumatic times.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 12 July 2025
The fitness instructor and TV icon died as a result of blunt traumatic injuries, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office announced two months later.
—Emily Trainham, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
Residents of the Cooper apartments displaced after a fire swept through their building organized a town hall Thursday to share information and socialize with others who endured same traumatic experience.
—Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for traumatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for traumatic
Adjective
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Maybe the news reports and images trigger your feelings around a horrible experience at a camp, a personal loss of a child, or even just a loss of feeling safe and in control of the world, said Hurlbert.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
11 July 2025
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For many who were directly affected by the flood, these post-flood days have been like waking up from a horrible nightmare.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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On the Blue Devils’ flight home from San Antonio, there Scheyer was: digesting the game tape, reliving the most painful defeat he’s suffered in three seasons coaching his alma mater.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
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Deciding where to manufacture your product is one of the most painful questions today.—
Alex Gudilko,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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There will be four questions related to easing the city’s terrible housing shortage, all useful and needed, and one useless question about moving our local elections from odd years, like this present year, to presidential contest years.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
21 July 2025
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But when terrible news arrives about her ex, all eyes turn to Ana — whose reputation isn't exactly sterling.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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The restaurant offers a menu that strikes the perfect balance of enough variety without being overwhelming.—
Susmita Baral,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
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The weather service also issued a flood advisory for Edwards and Real counties until 2:30 p.m., citing minor flooding in low-lying areas with poor drainage and water overwhelming roadways.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Saturated reds and yellows can be too energizing, adding an unsettling air to your dinner party and subconsciously encouraging guests to get up and leave.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 July 2025
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Popping up twice in an hour to the bathroom is bad enough, but it was made worse by the possibility that Thurber, ignorant of anything but the unsettling swish of the door, would address some remark to me in my absence.—
John Updike,
New Yorker,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Pictures of Piper the dog, who last year went through an awful health scare after having a rawhide treat.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
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That’s a horrible way to feel, and an awful way for fans to treat her.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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Tulum has just one principal seaside street, meaning that during high season, traffic near the beach can be unbearable.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
19 July 2025
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Last month, members of Congress were blocked from observing the holding facility on the tenth floor of 26 Federal Plaza, amid claims of unbearable heat, overcrowding, and detainees being forced to sleep on bathroom floors.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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Scientists have found a new way to cheat the system – which is both ingenious and disturbing.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
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Pisciotta alleged that West’s disturbing behavior did not end after she was terminated at Yeezy.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Traumatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/traumatic. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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