terrific

adjective

ter·​rif·​ic tə-ˈri-fik How to pronounce terrific (audio)
Synonyms of terrificnext
1
: unusually fine : magnificent
terrific weather
2
: extraordinary
terrific speed
3
a
: exciting or fit to excite fear or awe
a terrific thunderstorm
b
: very bad : frightful
terrifically
tə-ˈri-fi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce terrific (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of terrific

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Examples of terrific in a Sentence

She's given me some terrific ideas. Your test scores were terrific. They did a terrific job painting the house. I had a terrific time. I've recovered completely. In fact, I feel terrific. We were hit by a terrific snowstorm last week.
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.
Allen collected three hits and played terrific defense during a 6-3 win against the Mets. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The terrific new album was played in its entirety during the middle portion of Squeeze’s set and evoked a little bit of the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds in some spots. — David Chiu, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 To me, an important part about sports is the memories that continue for so long after the events, and these two columns by two terrific writers truly brought that home. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 Loving spouses disappoint us, supportive parents fail us, close friends misunderstand us, and even terrific children create enormous stress. — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrific

Word History

Etymology

Latin terrificus, from terrēre to frighten

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrific was in 1667

Rhymes for terrific

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Browse Nearby Words

terrier
terrific
terrifically
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

terrific

adjective
ter·​rif·​ic tə-ˈrif-ik How to pronounce terrific (audio)
1
: causing terror : terrible
terrific destruction
2
: very great in degree : extraordinary
a car going at terrific speed
3
: unusually good
makes terrific chili
terrifically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce terrific (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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