Definitions

horrible

[hawr-uh-buhl, hor-] / ˈhɔr ə bəl, ˈhɒr- /

ADJECTIVE

unpleasant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abhorrent abominable appalling awful cruel disgusting dreadful eerie frightful ghastly grim grisly gruesome heinous hideous horrendous horrid lousy nasty scandalous scary shameful shocking terrible terrifying

WEAK

beastly detestable disagreeable execrable fairy fearful loathsome lurid mean obnoxious offensive repellent repulsive revolting sickie ungodly unholy unkind

Antonyms

STRONGEST

attractive beautiful calming comforting delightful encouraging gentle good great happy kind magnificent nice pleasant pleasing pretty reputable soothing wonderful

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.

It’s a real business need, sure, and it’s not a horrible idea on the surface.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

Carol Boon said the experience was "just horrible", while Max Hume said he had been forced to spend £1,800 to get home.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

As the class started and the instructor dimmed the lights to an orange glow, it hit me that hot yoga might be a horrible first date idea.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Daily Practice Cleanser and Eye Cream “After a horrible stye last fall, I’ve been obsessed with keeping my eyes clean.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Honestly, the panic attacks I had were horrible and scary and messy and teary and devastating, and…No thank you.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

Vocabulary lists containing horrible

Beowulf vocabulary

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So Bad: Synonyms for "Awful"

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"maggie and milly and molly and may"

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