horrific

adjective

hor·​rif·​ic hȯ-ˈri-fik How to pronounce horrific (audio)
hä-
Synonyms of horrificnext
: having the power to horrify
a horrific account of the tragedy
horrifically
hȯ-ˈri-fi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce horrific (audio)
hä-
adverb

Synonyms of horrific

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Examples of horrific in a Sentence

horrific images of the devastation spurred many people to give generously
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Displaced from their homes, hundreds of families resettled on the low-lying banks of the Trishuli river – only to face yet another horrific disaster on Wednesday. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 And because Kennerly has captured moments both triumphant and horrific, a warning, some of these pictures are graphic. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 The offseason has been horrific at UNC — will the football improve? — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026 Their lives are upended by the horrific attacks of October 7 and they’re forced to put the pieces back together. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for horrific

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Latin; French horrifique, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin horrificus "inspiring awe or dread, frightening," from horrēre "to be stiffly erect, bristle, shudder, shiver" + -i- -i- + -ficus -fic — more at horror entry 1

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of horrific was in 1653

Rhymes for horrific

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Browse Nearby Words

horrid
horrific
horrifically
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Cite this Entry

“Horrific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horrific. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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