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.
Bregman pulled a 95 mph fastball into the hole, but Witt made a terrific backhand grab to corral the baseball. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026 The concerts, restaurants, nightlife, and most importantly, the Saratoga Race Course, attract a terrific party vibe. — Geoff Clark, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Spiridakos is terrific as the no-nonsense ranger who refuses to let herself be crushed by her past or present. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026 For 12 terrific seasons now, the New England Revolution has celebrated their partnership with Special Olympics Massachusetts and the incredible impact of the Rev's Unified Team. — Juli McDonald, CBS News, 5 Aug. 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 17 Aug. 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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