frightful

[frahyt-fuhl] / ˈfraɪt fəl /

ADJECTIVE

horrible, offensive, or shocking

Synonyms

STRONGEST

awful calamitous dreadful ghastly hideous horrible lewd shocking terrible terrific unpleasant

WEAK

annoying bad disagreeable extreme great insufferable vile wicked wrong

Antonyms

STRONGEST

beautiful comforting delightful good pleasant pleasing wonderful

WEAK

gentle inoffensive nice

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.

Even before DOGE, Musk had a frightful habit of posting online, often tweeting 100 times a day.

From Salon • May 30, 2025

Walker said the conditions for such a catch are frightful.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2024

She added it was "scarcely credible such a frightful pub exists in Cymru".

From BBC • Aug. 4, 2024

It’s a frightful and gargantuan performance that should come with a trigger warning.

From New York Times • Feb. 29, 2024

“Miss Deveraux. Please, join me inside. The sun is frightful fierce today.”

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland