Legacy synonym data
Synonyms for “Dreadful” — 15 Other Ways to Say It
causing fear or dread or terror
Meaning of Dreadful
causing fear or dread or terror
15 Synonyms for Dreadful — Words Similar to Dreadful
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
heinous
/ˈheɪnəs/Extremely evil or wicked in a shocking way that causes outrage among reasonable people.
Example: The heinous crime shocked the entire community.
horror
/ˈhɒrər/A strong feeling of fear and shock when something very bad or scary happens.
Example: The witnesses reacted with horror when they saw the accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Dreadful
What is another word for "dreadful"?
Common synonyms for "dreadful" include: loathsome, monstrous, heinous, terrific, frightful.
What can I say instead of "dreadful"?
Try one of these alternatives: loathsome, monstrous, heinous, terrific, frightful. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
When should I use "dreadful" instead of "loathsome"?
Use "dreadful" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "loathsome" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.