HORRIBLE Synonyms | 18 Similar Words (With Examples)

You probably know how it feels when something is just really bad or awful. In this article, we will explore 18 fun and helpful synonyms for ‘horrible’. Words like dreadful, terrible, and awful can spice up your talking or writing. Let's make it easy and fun, and I will show you how to use each word with examples you can remember.

Awful

Awful means something is very bad or unpleasant. You can use it to talk about situations, events, or things that make you feel uncomfortable. It is a very common word and easy to remember. People use it when they are upset or unhappy about something. Awful shows strong negative feelings but in a casual way.

• The food tasted awful and I could not eat it.
• That was an awful mistake at work.
• Her singing sounded awful last night.

Terrible

Terrible is used for things that are extremely bad or harmful. It can describe events, feelings, or actions. It is stronger than bad and shows strong disappointment or fear. Terrible is used a lot in speaking and writing when you want to show strong feelings.

• I had a terrible headache all day.
• The weather today is terrible.
• His terrible behavior upset everyone.

Dreadful

Dreadful means very bad or causing fear. You can use it to describe events, situations, or feelings that are unpleasant. It gives a sense of worry and dislike. People often use dreadful when they want to warn others about something bad or scary.

• The storm yesterday was dreadful.
• She had a dreadful experience at the dentist.
• It was a dreadful movie that I could not finish.

Appalling

Appalling means shockingly bad or very unpleasant. It can describe behavior, actions, or events that surprise you in a bad way. People use appalling when they want to show strong negative emotions. It is more formal but can be used in daily conversation.

• His rude comments were appalling.
• The condition of the room was appalling.
• I found the movie's ending appalling.

Atrocious

Atrocious means extremely bad or cruel. It can describe actions, behavior, or situations that are very harmful or unpleasant. It is a strong word that shows deep dislike or shock. You can use atrocious when something is very far from acceptable.

• The traffic was atrocious this morning.
• He committed an atrocious crime.
• Her cooking today was atrocious.

Frightful

Frightful means very bad or scary. It is used to describe things that cause fear or worry. It can describe events, people, or situations that make you nervous or scared. Frightful can be used in both serious and playful ways.

• The haunted house was frightful.
• I had a frightful dream last night.
• The noise outside was frightful.

Ghastly

Ghastly means shockingly bad or unpleasant. You can use it to describe appearances, events, or feelings that scare or surprise you in a bad way. Ghastly is a strong word and shows strong emotion.

• She looked ghastly after the accident.
• The news was ghastly to hear.
• That painting looks ghastly in this light.

Abominable

Abominable means very bad or unpleasant. It shows strong dislike for something. People use it when they feel disgusted or upset about events, behavior, or things. Abominable is a serious word that shows strong negative emotion.

• The food at the hotel was abominable.
• His abominable behavior shocked everyone.
• The weather today is abominable.

Horrific

Horrific means very shocking or frightening. It can describe events, experiences, or things that make people afraid or worried. Horrific is strong and serious and shows deep fear or shock.

• The accident on the road was horrific.
• The movie had a horrific scene.
• The news report was horrific to hear.

Hideous

Hideous means very ugly or unpleasant. It can describe looks, things, or situations that are not attractive or nice. Hideous is a strong word and gives a clear sense of dislike.

• The mask he wore was hideous.
• The building looked hideous after the fire.
• That outfit is hideous.

Monstrous

Monstrous means extremely bad, cruel, or large. It can describe actions, behavior, or things that are shocking or very harmful. Monstrous shows strong negative feelings.

• The villain had a monstrous plan.
• The storm caused monstrous damage.
• His monstrous attitude upset everyone.

Nasty

Nasty means very bad, unpleasant, or unkind. It can describe people, actions, or situations that make others feel uncomfortable or hurt. Nasty is common in daily talking and shows strong dislike.

• That was a nasty trick he played.
• The food tasted nasty.
• Her comment was really nasty.

Shocking

Shocking means very surprising or upsetting. It can describe news, events, or behavior that makes people feel surprised in a bad way. Shocking shows strong negative feelings and often starts a conversation.

• It was shocking to see the mess.
• The news report was shocking.
• His sudden decision was shocking.

Revolting

Revolting means very disgusting or unpleasant. It can describe smells, sights, or actions that make people feel sick or upset. Revolting shows strong dislike and can be used to warn others.

• The smell from the trash was revolting.
• The food looked revolting.
• His behavior was revolting.

Heinous

Heinous means very wicked or evil. It can describe actions, crimes, or behavior that are morally very bad. Heinous is a serious word and shows strong emotion.

• The crime committed was heinous.
• His actions were truly heinous.
• That was a heinous mistake.

Abysmal

Abysmal means extremely bad. It can describe results, quality, or situations that are far below what is expected. Abysmal shows strong disappointment.

• The students’ results were abysmal.
• The service at the restaurant was abysmal.
• The weather today is abysmal.

Offensive

Offensive means causing hurt or anger. It can describe words, actions, or behavior that make people upset. Offensive shows strong negative feelings and warns others about bad behavior.

• His words were offensive to many people.
• The joke was offensive.
• The sign was offensive to the neighbors.

Terrifying

Terrifying means very frightening. It can describe events, movies, or situations that make people scared. Terrifying shows strong fear and is often used to describe something extreme.

• The movie was terrifying.
• The storm last night was terrifying.
• His story about the accident was terrifying.

Final Thoughts

Using different words for ‘horrible’ can make your talking and writing more interesting. Now you know many fun and strong words like dreadful, atrocious, and ghastly. Try them next time you want to describe something really bad. These words will help you sound more expressive and emotional while sharing your thoughts.