Synonyms for awful
76 synonyms for “awful”, grouped by meaning. Dark green words mean nearly the same thing; light green ones are close in some uses.
Awful as in “terrible”
adjective: exceptionally bad or displeasing
- terrible
- dreadful
- atrocious
- unspeakable
- abominable
- appalling
- bad
- horrid
- painful
- horrible
- sad
- tragic
- hideous
- outrageous
- shameful
- unpleasant
- wretched
- pitiful
- worst
- deplorable
- heinous
- scandalous
- vile
- brutal
- despicable
- regrettable
- odious
- lamentable
- revolting
- repugnant
- reprehensible
- sordid
- miserable
- egregious
- unutterable
Awful as in “horrendous”
adjective: causing fear or dread or terror
- horrendous
- horrific
- frightening
- dire
- dread
- fearful
- horrifying
- gruesome
- dreaded
- grisly
- ghastly
- shocking
- fearsome
- alarming
- grim
- monstrous
- repulsive
- loathsome
- direful
Awful as in “nasty”
adjective: offensive or even (of persons) malicious
- nasty
- lousy
- filthy
- hateful
- terribly
- disgusting
- rotten
- ugly
- mean
- dirty
- weird
Awful as in “awesome”
adjective: inspiring awe or admiration or wonder
- awesome
- amazing
- terrific
- impressive
- glorious
- astounding
- awe-inspiring
- awing
Awful as in “frightful”
adjective: extreme in degree or extent or amount or impact
- frightful
- tremendous
- extraordinary
Can you name more synonyms for awful?
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