terrific

adjective

ter·​rif·​ic tə-ˈri-fik 

1

: unusually fine : magnificent

terrific weather

2

: extraordinary

terrific speed

3

a

: exciting or fit to excite fear or awe

a terrific thunderstorm

b

: very bad : frightful

terrifically

tə-ˈri-fi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of terrific

• excellent
• wonderful
• great
• superb
• fantastic
• lovely
• awesome
• fabulous
• beautiful
• marvelous
• stellar
• prime
• fine

Examples of terrific in a Sentence

She's given me some terrific ideas.

Your test scores were terrific.

They did a terrific job painting the house.

I had a terrific time.

I've recovered completely. In fact, I feel terrific.

We were hit by a terrific snowstorm last week.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is terrific value for the Jets — Taylor could be an instant-impact three-down weapon who catches a bunch of passes for a long time. —Sam Warren, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

The resurgent Rockies held on to beat the Mets, 4-3, at Citi Field on Friday night behind a terrific start from Michael Lorenzen and some timely hits. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026

Worth checking out Sonos speakers sound terrific on their own, but adding a subwoofer is a game-changer. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026

The first hour is terrific, said Phil Hoad in The Guardian. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin terrificus, from terrēre to frighten

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Rhymes for terrific

• horrific
• pacific
• prolific
• salvific
• specific
• calorific
• conspecific
• hieroglyphic
• honorific
• nonspecific
• scientific
• soporific

Kids Definition

terrific

adjective

ter·​rif·​ic tə-ˈrif-ik 

1

: causing terror : terrible

terrific destruction

2

: very great in degree : extraordinary

a car going at terrific speed

3

: unusually good

makes terrific chili

terrifically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb