Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Terrible” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
Very bad or causing fear or worry.
Meaning of Terrible
Extremely bad, unpleasant, or of poor quality.
How to Pronounce Terrible
IPA: /ˈtɛrəbəl/ Stress: Ooo
Stress on first syllable: TER-uh-bul. The middle 'a' is the schwa sound.
4 Synonyms for Terrible — Words Similar to Terrible
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
bad
/bæd/Not good; having negative qualities or causing harm or unhappiness.
Example: That apple tastes bad because it is old.
Smart Synonyms for Terrible — When to Use Each
awful
very bad but more informal and common
horrible
causing negative emotion or disgust
dreadful
formal or literary term for something fearful
Antonyms of Terrible — Opposite Words
How to Use Terrible and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- The food at that restaurant was terrible. A2
- She had a terrible accident that left her in hospital. A2
- The terrible consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent. B1
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Terrible
What is another word for "terrible"?
Common synonyms for "terrible" include: awful, horrible, dreadful, bad.
What can I say instead of "terrible"?
Try one of these alternatives: awful, horrible, dreadful, bad. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "terrible" formal or informal?
"terrible" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "terrible" instead of "awful"?
Use "terrible" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "awful" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "terrible"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "terrible" include: excellent, wonderful, great.