terrible

[ter-uh-buhl] / ˈtɛr ə bəl /

ADJECTIVE

bad, horrible

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abhorrent appalling atrocious awesome awful dangerous dire disastrous disturbing dreadful frightful ghastly gruesome harrowing hideous horrendous horrid horrifying serious severe shocking unfortunate unpleasant

WEAK

awe-inspiring beastly desperate dread dreaded fearful hateful inconvenient loathsome monstrous obnoxious odious offensive petrifying poor repulsive revolting rotten unnerving unwelcome vile

Antonyms

STRONGEST

beautiful calming comforting delightful fortunate good happy inoffensive lucky mild nice pleasant pleasing trivial unimportant wonderful

WEAK

great

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.

The North warned in February of a "terrible response" if it detects more drones crossing the border from the South, prompting Seoul to investigate the claims.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

This project’s side effects could be “pretty catastrophic,” according to some experts, who describe it as “horrifying” and “a terrible idea.”

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

I’ve never once taken it for granted, especially as friends and family members have lived for decades in a terrible limbo over their legal status.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

That’s clearly a terrible realization given that you and she had such a great relationship.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

I want to tell her I’m sorry for those terrible things I said to her this morning.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

terrible

Example Sentences

Related Words