nightmare

[nahyt-mair] / ˈnaɪtˌmɛər /

NOUN

bad dream or experience

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dream fantasy hallucination horror ordeal vision

STRONG

fancy illusion incubus phantasm succubus torment trial tribulation

Antonyms

STRONGEST

actuality fact pleasure reality truth

STRONG

certainty happiness peace

WEAK

daymare

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A few of them were there on the last day at Dens Park in 1986 when a dream turned into their greatest nightmare.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

This is when Maddin’s story switches from a survivalist nightmare to a legal one.

From Slate • May 13, 2026

Read more: Could a jet-fuel shortage turn your European summer vacation into a nightmare?

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

Today it’s a nightmare for many onboard, under the threat of viral infection.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

She felt as though she was sinking into something, a nightmare she couldn’t wake from.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray