Synonyms for

Terrible

Verb / ˈterʌbʌl / Another word for terrible — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing great fear or alarm; very bad or unpleasant

Synonyms & similar words

atrocious painful unspeakable dreadful awful abominable tremendous wicked dread horrendous direful frightful frightening dire fearsome dreaded severe horrific fearful awful dreadful horrible atrocious abominable ghastly frightful appalling horrific offensive repulsive shocking terrible dire disastrous dreadful grim gruesome hideous horrendous

Synonyms by register

Formal

dreadful atrocious appalling deplorable

Informal

awful lousy horrible yucky

Literary

dire grievous woeful

Antonyms

wonderful excellent marvelous great fine good pleasant

Common collocations

  • terrible accident
  • terrible weather
  • terrible pain
  • terrible news
  • terrible mistake
  • terrible condition
  • terrible shame

Word family

noun terror
verb terrify
adjective terrible
adverb terribly

Usage note

'Terrible' often implies something extremely bad or unpleasant, causing fear or distress. It can also mean very poor in quality.

Example sentences

  1. The movie was terrible, and I didn't like it at all.
  2. The car accident was terrible, and many people got hurt.
  3. The storm was terrible, and it caused a lot of damage to the houses.
  4. The food at the restaurant was terrible, and I couldn't finish my meal.
  5. I had a terrible headache, and I had to stay in bed all day.

Quotes

  • The only thing terrible about terrorism is our own reaction to it.
  • I am a terrible actor and a terrible singer.
  • It's terrible to be a sex symbol at any age.

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