1
: unusually fine : magnificent
terrific weather
2
: extraordinary
terrific speed
3
a
: exciting or fit to excite fear or awe
a terrific thunderstorm
b
: very bad : frightful

Examples of terrific in a Sentence

She's given me some terrific ideas. Your test scores were terrific. They did a terrific job painting the house. I had a terrific time.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Maxey, after a bad shooting start to the season, has been terrific of late. Tony Jones, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 The Chase Freedom Flex® is a terrific option for someone looking for a card with rotating spending categories, as well as interest-free financing. Jason Stauffer,brett Holzhauer,alexandria White, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024 The series is a terrific showcase not only for Hsu, but for Mamet. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2024 The writing, pacing, and production values are top-notch, and the cast is terrific across the board. Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for terrific 

Word History

Etymology

Latin terrificus, from terrēre to frighten

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrific was in 1667

Dictionary Entries Near terrific

Cite this Entry

“Terrific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrific. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

terrific

adjective
1
: causing terror : terrible
terrific destruction
2
: very great in degree : extraordinary
a car going at terrific speed
3
: unusually good
makes terrific chili

More from Merriam-Webster on terrific

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