DREADFUL Synonyms: 308 Similar and Opposite Words

dreadful

adjective

ˈdred-fəl

Definition of dreadful

as in terrifying

causing fear a dreadful hurricane

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in awful

causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment a dreadful performance of a beautiful piece of music

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in horrific

extremely disturbing or repellent dreadful news of a crime wave in the neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect the dreadful heat of the desert

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sheer

having no exceptions or restrictions made a dreadful mess of his first marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 dreadful Much of that came in a dreadful first half, where the Bills scored touchdowns on their first four possessions and the Lions' defense looked incapable of stopping anything. — Christian Romo, Freep.com, 18 Sep. 2026 But that’s no excuse for the Rams’ dreadful performance on offense against the 49ers. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026 After a dreadful offensive start to his season, Devers has been one of the Giants’ few bright spots for months. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026 The dreadful sights of September 11th took on a surreal edge. — Robert Stone, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dreadful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dreadful

Adjective

As an actress, a character like that was thrilling and terrifying.

— William Earl, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Alas, Hersh was to miss the flight because he was still being held hostage, starving, tortured, and surviving on that date in terrifying confinement.

— Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrifying

Adjective

My heart goes out to her family, friends, and everyone who is affected by this horrific incident.

— Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
In late August, a horrific but fortunately injury-free blaze at the Folsom Flea Market wreaked havoc on a number of small local businesses operating out of the space.

— Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of horrific

Adjective

Through it all, Pi-o and Jeong-yo’s intense, often tender relationship serves as a throughline, bringing many viewers to question if the Netflix series qualifies as a boys’ love (aka BL) drama.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
The Castle of Oia is also lovely—though the sunset-seeking crowds can be intense.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of intense

Adjective

Known as the Shark Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place gets its name from English buccaneer-cum-naturalist William Dampier, who was overcome by the bay’s sheer abundance and the size of the marine predators during a visit in 1699.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Through the sheer force of his will and his brilliant comedic timing, Bratton was elevated to a cast member by the second season.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Hill is a free agent after a horrible injury suffered last season.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
Ashley Flynn’s sister, Kayla Keyt, said during her victim statement that her family could not overcome their sense of shock and despair after learning that Flynn betrayed them in such a violent and horrible way.

— Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of horrible

Adjective

That's on the heels of a 41-7 blowout at Northwestern that was ugly enough for Deion Sanders to dismiss a handful of players for conduct detrimental to the team days later.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
In a world where (good, bad and ugly) answers and options are available, an employer needs a workforce that understands the business objectives and can weed through the noise to identify and execute the best solution.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of ugly

Adjective

Against the backdrop of a gruesome day, the Hebrew-language movie unfolds individual emotions and lives both before and during the attack, everyday problems of course not stopping with the tragedy, just interacting with it.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
For centuries, this scene has been believed to show Harold’s gruesome end.

— Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of gruesome

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“Dreadful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dreadful. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of dreadful

adjective

Example Sentences

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