1
as in horrible
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment
that's an awful thing to say about someone
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in amazing
causing wonder or astonishment
the awful power of Niagara Falls
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in horrific
extremely disturbing or repellent
spare me the awful details of the murder
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in terrible
extremely unsatisfactory
I can't believe I spent good money to see that movie—it was awful
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in terribly
to a great degree
that's awful sweet of you
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of awful
Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025
There is, of course, the awful fact of Hutchins’s death (which is acknowledged several times by both Baldwins).
—Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2022
First, there is the question whether the awful-looking restraint maneuver Chauvin used was actually authorized at the time, or at least not clearly forbidden.
—D.j. Tice, Star Tribune, 20 Feb. 2021
See All Example Sentences for awful
Adjective
Read on to this PEOPLE writer's ranking of the most shocking — and sheer cringe — moments from the HBO series, from awkward to awful.
—Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025
There is, of course, the awful fact of Hutchins’s death (which is acknowledged several times by both Baldwins).
—Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Adverb
Someone who has worked awful hard, has a great skill set, four years of college, four years of lifting, four years of game-planning at a high level in Division III.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2022
First, there is the question whether the awful-looking restraint maneuver Chauvin used was actually authorized at the time, or at least not clearly forbidden.
—D.j. Tice, Star Tribune, 20 Feb. 2021
See All Example Sentences for awful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for awful
Adjective
-
Lillard’s blood clot diagnosis continues a horrible stretch of injuries that has limited the Bucks’ ability to chase postseason glory since the Bucks ended the franchise’s 50-year championship drought by winning the 2021 NBA title.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Those plans are HMOs and many of us remember how horrible those were, denying service, or stalling approval.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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To push attendance higher and garner more interest MLR needs to deliver an amazing product and Americans need to win.—
Vitas Carosella,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Keep shopping for even more amazing discounts on affordable luxury bags below.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While the defense in front of him remained very much horrific in Buffalo, Jarry was not good.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Almost a decade in the making, and currently in post-production, the film will recount the harrowing story of the nine Charbonneau sisters and their childhood schoolmates who endured horrific abuse at St. Paul’s Indian Mission School in Marty, South Dakota.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The boys now harbor a terrible secret of their own.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
-
But the point is, every team has a few terrible losses in the course of a season.—
Josh Yohe,
The Athletic,
22 Mar. 2025
Adverb
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Other times, particularly when down by eight to 10 points, the Jayhawks did not look terribly driven.—
Andy Frye,
Forbes,
20 Mar. 2025
-
The law was most infamously used during the terribly wrong internment of Japanese-American citizens during WWII.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome had form on the bike that was frequently described as ugly.—
Liam Tharme,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
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Plus, with fewer games, an ugly two weeks in the NBA usually signals a five-alarm fire and overreactions.—
Shane Young,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.—
Alex Vance,
Parents,
28 Mar. 2025
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Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
FOXNews.com,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Watkins immediately received a flood of support on social media after the gruesome injury, as athletes and analysts from around the sports world chimed in with well wishes.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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Following the gruesome discovery, an arrest warrant was issued for Jones, charging him with murder.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Awful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/awful. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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