terrible

adjective

ter·​ri·​ble ˈter-ə-bəl How to pronounce terrible (audio)
ˈte-rə-
Synonyms of terrible
1
: extremely bad: such as
a
: notably unattractive or objectionable
terrible behavior
b
: of very poor quality
a terrible movie
c
: strongly repulsive : obnoxious
a terrible smell
2
a
: difficult
in a terrible bind
b
: formidable in nature : awesome
a terrible responsibility
c
: exciting extreme alarm or intense fear : terrifying
3
: extreme, great
a terrible disappointment
terribleness noun

Synonyms of terrible

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Examples of terrible in a Sentence

Traffic was held up by a terrible accident. I have a terrible cold. The service at that restaurant is terrible.
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.
But even without it, there seems to be some truth to the idea that if these teams were terrible businesses, they wouldn’t be sold for billions of dollars. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Not by tightening the siege on Iran directly, but by tightening the siege on those who help this regime, this terrible dictatorship. — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 Seiya Suzuki has been terrible against him, going just 1-for-12 with five strikeouts. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Name a terrible policy out of Tallahassee, and Avila voted for it. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrible

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin terribilis, from terrēre to frighten — more at terror

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2c

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrible was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing terrible

Rhymes for terrible

See All Rhymes for terrible

Browse Nearby Words

terribilita
terrible
terribleness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

terrible

adjective
ter·​ri·​ble ˈter-ə-bəl How to pronounce terrible (audio)
1
: causing terror or awe : fearful, dreadful
a terrible disaster
2
a
: very great in degree
made a terrible mess
a terrible cold
b
: very bad in quality
terrible music
terribly
-blē How to pronounce terrible (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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