terrific

adjective

ter·​rif·​ic tə-ˈri-fik How to pronounce terrific (audio)
Synonyms of terrificnext
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
terrifically
tə-ˈri-fi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce terrific (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The terrific cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr. — Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025 Alexis Rynders, Glen Rose Alexis Rynders, a 5-foot-10 Tarleton State commit, has had a terrific career, earning TABC All-Region honors in four varsity seasons. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025 The 2016 Orioles were carried by Manny Machado (in one of his best overall seasons), a lights-out Zack Britton and terrific seasons from Kevin Gausman and Chris Tillman at the top of an otherwise pedestrian rotation. — Tim Britton, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025 There are terrific discounts on various goodies, such as kitchen and home appliances, electronics, tools, toys, and beauty products. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025 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

Rhymes for terrific

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Browse Nearby Words

terrier
terrific
terrify
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Cite this Entry

“Terrific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrific. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

terrific

adjective
ter·​rif·​ic tə-ˈrif-ik How to pronounce terrific (audio)
1
: causing terror : terrible
terrific destruction
2
: very great in degree : extraordinary
a car going at terrific speed
3
: unusually good
makes terrific chili
terrifically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce terrific (audio)
adverb

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