1
as in terrible
extremely unsatisfactory
The coach apologized for the abysmal performance of the team in the loss.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deep
extending far downward
Strange sounds echoed from the abysmal reaches of the cave.
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 abysmal
The margin of safety is already there thanks to this year’s abysmal start.
—
Zev Fima, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
Over the final three quarters, Minnesota went 20 for 60 from the floor as a team, including an abysmal 4 for 28 from distance.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026
The Democrats’ abysmal numbers Still, AI’s numbers are better than the Democratic Party’s.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
The 1986 student walkouts in San Antonio’s Edgewood ISD over abysmal education conditions sparked change in Texas’ public school funding system.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abysmal
Zev Fima, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026
Over the final three quarters, Minnesota went 20 for 60 from the floor as a team, including an abysmal 4 for 28 from distance.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026
The Democrats’ abysmal numbers Still, AI’s numbers are better than the Democratic Party’s.
—Jake Angelo, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026
The 1986 student walkouts in San Antonio’s Edgewood ISD over abysmal education conditions sparked change in Texas’ public school funding system.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abysmal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abysmal
Adjective
-
This is a terrible blow against reform and the Dems should be ashamed.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Here are five novels that have been tied to terrible crimes.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For others, the moment carries a deeper meaning.—
Charlie Lapastora,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Return to Earth and splashdown After the lunar flyby, the crew will spend several days heading back to Earth while continuing to conduct deep-space tests, including evaluations of power systems, thermal controls, and crew operations far beyond low Earth orbit.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This is going to be a horrible, terrible, no-good, very bad day.—
Nathan Rott,
NPR,
27 Mar. 2026
-
In another case, a 10-year-old girl contracted horrible lesions on 10 percent of her body — mostly on her legs — after contact with giant hogweed.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But adult protection varies from child welfare in several ways that have profound consequences.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
In Europe and Asia, the Iran war energy shock is expected to facilitate a more profound shift towards EVs than in previous fossil fuel crises.—
Sam Meredith,Michael Wayland,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Serious Medical and Emotional Neglect Turner said Kaiko arrived in poor health, suffering from multiple medical issues and signs of prolonged neglect.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The city of Plano scores restaurants on a 100-point system, with 100 considered a perfect score and 70 extremely poor.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The timing is awful, as Rodon was scheduled to make a rehab start with the Yankees' Double-A affiliate.—
Logan Brown,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The Broncos were awful on the ground.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Department hydrologists told The Associated Press of the dismal, record-low snowpack after concluding their field assessments late Tuesday.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Simpson had two stinkers in key games, throwing for just 212 yards, one TD and one pick, on 19-for-39 accuracy, in a dismal 28-7 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But Oklahoma Baptist was more than up to the challenge, and turned to its own defense to limit East Bay to an atrocious shooting day.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
25 Mar. 2026
-
That fact is included in some of the earlier, multiple police reports about him, but not in the most recent ones, where he’s charged with his more atrocious crimes.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abysmal. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
