1
as in dreadfulness
the quality of inspiring intense dread or dismay
it's difficult to even begin to comprehend the horror of the Holocaust
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2
as in nightmare
a situation or state that causes great suffering and unhappiness
had never experienced the horrors of war
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3
4
as in fear
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
imagine my horror at finding myself face to face with a lion on the loose
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5
as in disgust
a dislike so strong as to cause stomach upset or queasiness
cat lover or no, she regards cleaning the litter box with horror
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of horror
She's confronted with all sorts of horrors, including terrifying mannequin-like creatures, a flowery monster, and some pretty gnarly effects.
—
Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Slanted edges into body horror as the teen’s anguish subsumes her.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
While he's known for horror, not all of his stories fall under that category.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Jeff lives in beautiful Bend, Oregon amid the ponderosa pines, classic muscle cars, a crypt of collector horror comics, and two loyal English Setters.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for horror
Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Slanted edges into body horror as the teen’s anguish subsumes her.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
While he's known for horror, not all of his stories fall under that category.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Jeff lives in beautiful Bend, Oregon amid the ponderosa pines, classic muscle cars, a crypt of collector horror comics, and two loyal English Setters.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for horror
Recent Examples of Synonyms for horror
Noun
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Package delivery and unpaid toll texts have taken most of the headlines, but an even worse threat is proving a nightmare for phone users.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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Eraserhead Year: 1977 Runtime: 1h 29m Director: David Lynch One of the most polarizing filmmakers of all time made an impact from his debut film, this surreal nightmare that was released in arthouses back in 1977 and was an instant hit in major cities.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Brit, trying to find her footing after the mess Kenya unleashed, opens up to the group.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
14 Apr. 2025
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If the mess is semi-solid, use a sturdy piece of cardboard, a paper plate, or another flat surface, as a scoop.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Orr’s study also found that even as silence about climate change can spiral into deeper fears of speaking out, speaking about the issue can drive a spiral toward further discussion and action — and that individual conversations can play a surprisingly large role.—
Saul Elbein,
The Hill,
17 Apr. 2025
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Hayes said he’s had to take a leave of absence from his job over the fear of what might happen to his family.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The reaction was immediate and polarized — cheers erupted from some fans who are accustomed to Barkley’s blunt, unfiltered style, while others booed in audible disgust.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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For some chefs and food writers, the staple has long been a source of disgust.—
Martha C. White,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has been fighting a multi-front war against pro-democracy fighters and ethnic armed groups after seizing power in 2021, with credible and widespread reports of atrocities against the people.—
Ross Adkin,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2025
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Who knew that combining a sweet story about an adorable penguin and one about the atrocities of a political uprising in 1976 Argentina could have such charm?—
Rosemary Rossi,
Variety,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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His experiences at Fuchu Prison left him with frostbite, screaming in agony, after being exposed to sub-zero temperatures during 20 days in solitary confinement.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
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What began as a blissful afternoon in the Florida sun ended in agony when a Jeep Wrangler suddenly barreled over a man lying on the beach, police said.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Objects are often askew and out of frame, and everyday sounds like a toilet flush or blinds being pulled assume a low, staticky growl, as though frights fueled by childish imagination.—
Gayle Sequeira,
Vulture,
20 Jan. 2025
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In a second Instagram Stories post, the singer offered another look at the cake, featuring a large bust of a clicker, the fungal zombie-esque frights from the Last of Us video game franchise and HBO series of the same name.—
Gil Macias,
People.com,
13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Consumer sentiment fell sharply in April, marking the fourth consecutive month of declines, as an intensifying trade war fueled anxiety over American jobs and rising inflation.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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Is loyalty to an old friend and/or anxiety about having a kid reason enough to spend a day or two away from a wife who could go into labor at any minute?—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Horror.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horror. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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