Terrific

/təˈɹɪfɪk/ · adjective

Meaning

(now rare) Terrifying, causing terror; terrible; sublime, awe-inspiring..

Definitions by Sense

1. (now rare) Terrifying, causing terror; terrible; sublime, awe-inspiring.
2. Very strong or intense; excessive, tremendous.
3. Extremely good; excellent, amazing.

Example Sentences

[T]he diſmal ſhrieks of demoniac rage […] rouſed phantoms of horror in her mind, far more terrific than all that dreaming ſuperſtition ever drew.

Think of wandering amid sepulchral ruins, of stumbling over the bones of the dead, of encountering what I cannot describe,—the horror of being among those who are neither the living or the dead;—those dark and shadowless things that sport themselves with the reliques of the dead, and feast and love amid corruption,—ghastly, mocking, and terrific.

He made love in a coach and six, and married in a coach and twelve, and all his horses were milk-white horses with one red spot on the back which he caused to be hidden by the harness. For, the spot would come there, though every horse was milk-white when Captain Murderer bought him. And the spot was young bride's blood. (To this terrific point I am indebted for my first personal experience of a shudder and cold beads on the forehead.)

The car came round the bend at a terrific speed.

I've got a terrific hangover this morning.

The ſtar tremulous turn'd its thundering poles, and the whole creation reſounded; when, with terrific haſte, Adamida, in obediance to the divine command, flew amidſt overwhelming ſtorms, ruſhing clouds, falling mountains, and ſwelling ſeas.

When the warriors saw this, their cheers were terrific.

From Atlantic to Pacific / Gee, the traffic is terrific.

Synonyms for terrific

Antonyms for terrific

Related Words

Word Forms

• more terrific
• most terrific
• terrifick

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions