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 of terrific

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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. I've recovered completely. In fact, I feel terrific. We were hit by a terrific snowstorm last week.
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.
Young actor Jung is also terrific, as a boy who perhaps understands more than his parents give him credit for, something hinted at in a closing reveal. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026 Gray rewarded the Red Sox for the respite with a terrific start Saturday night in what’s turning out to be the best season of his 14-year career. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Buddy expands to 1,771 screens after a terrific opening last weekend. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026 And the film has several terrific performers, and it’s beautifully written and directed. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026 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
terrifically
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Cite this Entry

“Terrific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrific. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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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