dreadfully

adverb

Definition of dreadfullynext
as in terribly

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of dreadfully Made from 100 percent cotton, this lightweight number is extremely soft and a great option for dreadfully hot days. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2026 Part slasher parody, part meta commentary on the structure of horror movies, and fully riotous, Behind the Mask is a dreadfully under-appreciated contribution to the subgenre that would have made for a terrific franchise. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026 Especially early in its career, Hum was dreadfully misclassified as just another soft-to-loud/Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana wannabe, and remained criminally under-appreciated for its heavy/stoner-friendly Midwestern shoegaze vibes long after its breakup. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 16 May 2026 More than anything, this documentary is dreadfully dull. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026 That’s another company with a stock that acts dreadfully. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026 Shin Godzilla, written and directed by Hideaki Anno of Neon Genesis Evangelion fame, comes the closest because it’s inspired by its own all-too-recent tragedy and feels dreadfully specific in its metaphor. — James Grebey, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026 For 20 games, opponents often shot dreadfully from distance against Miami, whether the three-point attempts were heavily contested or not. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 Dec. 2025 Today, however, Rihanna turned even the most dreadfully boring activity into an opportunity to stunt. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 13 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dreadfully
  1. terribly
  2. awfully
  3. horribly
  4. horrendously
  5. disastrously
  6. horrifically
  7. atrociously
  8. poorly
Adverb
  • Although none of these trails are terribly technical, there’s still an inherent risk that comes with hiking.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Patrick Cantlay is not one who sounds terribly interested in going.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of terribly
Adverb
  • For a few minutes at the end of the night, though, that fantasy became awfully convincing.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Aug. 2026
  • That feels awfully low for Neto, who’d be in a much better position coming off his 2024 or 2025 seasons than this 2026.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of awfully
Adverb
  • When their plan goes horribly awry, the couple is parted once again.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • There are six other teams vying with the Jays for that spot, and even the 60-68 and horribly playing Mariners are within three games.
    — Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of horribly
Adverb
  • The less said about Bryan’s horrendously gauche fuchsia-and-gold dress with puffy armholes and halter neck the better.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
  • Too little regulation could allow the unleashing of devilish AI that might wipe us out or at least be horrendously destructive.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of horrendously
Adverb
  • However, enforcement – both statewide and nationally – is disastrously underresourced.
    — David Michaels, The Conversation, 18 June 2026
  • His high point will be long forgotten, disastrously undone by his successor to plunge the world into recession, if not depression.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
Definition of disastrously
Adverb
  • Rhys gets to play Mayor Tom’s traumatic reactions to being stalked by a Sea Hag to great effect both comedically and horrifically.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The show must go on, however, and once the Bühnenstürmer (stage stormers) had been dealt with, hardy Ole carried on with his character’s near 20-minute monologue calmly, horrifically championing ultra-right political and cultural views.
    — Matt Thompson, SPIN, 31 July 2026
Definition of horrifically
Adverb
  • That pattern stayed broadly consistent last season, when Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur’s goalkeepers performed badly, but not atrociously.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of atrociously
Adverb
  • As poorly as the Carolina Panthers’ offense looked during Wednesday’s joint practice with the Houston Texans, Bryce Young took some solace in the fact that the performance came in a practice setting.
    — Joseph Person, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Sumrall’s team doesn’t have to be perfect, just can’t look undiscplined and poorly coached.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of poorly

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Cite this Entry

“Dreadfully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dreadfully. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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