horrible

[hawr-uh-buhl, hor-] / ˈhɔr ə bəl, ˈhɒr- /

ADJECTIVE

unpleasant

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abhorrent abominable appalling awful cruel disgusting dreadful eerie frightful ghastly grim grisly gruesome heinous hideous horrendous horrid lousy nasty scandalous scary shameful shocking terrible terrifying

WEAK

beastly detestable disagreeable execrable fairy fearful loathsome lurid mean obnoxious offensive repellent repulsive revolting sickie ungodly unholy unkind

Antonyms

STRONGEST

attractive beautiful calming comforting delightful encouraging gentle good great happy kind magnificent nice pleasant pleasing pretty reputable soothing wonderful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s a real business need, sure, and it’s not a horrible idea on the surface.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

“It’s a horrible little bar—little room, dark and poky—it’s not a place you’d want to spend any time, but in principle, I don’t agree with it,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Yes, this was definitely a horrible yet interesting first date idea.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Culture secretary Lisa Nandy called the broadcast "completely unacceptable and harmful", while Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said the BBC had made "a horrible mistake".

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“I’m Mrs. Tilbury. I’m terribly sorry, remind me of your name? Colin just shouted it, of course, but I’ve a horrible memory. Everything just leaks right out.”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Vocabulary lists containing horrible

Beowulf vocabulary

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