horrific
12 synonyms and 2 antonyms for horrific, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Causing horror; extremely frightening or shocking.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use horrific
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
horrific injuries
horrific attack
horrific scenes
Etymology
From Latin horrificus, from horreo ("to be afraid") + -ficus ("making").
Full origin of horrific →Frequently asked questions
What does “horrific” mean?
The word “horrific” means causing horror; extremely frightening or shocking. In plain terms, deeply shocking and frightening, usually describing real events like accidents or violence.
How do you pronounce “horrific”?
“Horrific” is pronounced huh-RIH-fihk (/həˈɹɪfɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “horrific” in a sentence?
Here is “horrific” used in a sentence: “The news showed horrific images from the earthquake zone.”
What part of speech is “horrific”?
“Horrific” is an adjective.
Where does the word “horrific” come from?
The word “horrific” comes from Latin. From Latin horrificus, from horreo ("to be afraid") + -ficus ("making").
Is “horrific” a common word?
“Horrific” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between horrific and horrible?
Horrific specifically means causing horror, extreme fright, or shock, often used for genuinely disturbing events like accidents or violence. Horrible is more general and can describe anything unpleasant, from bad weather to a horrific event, without necessarily implying shock.
What is the difference between horrific and terrifying?
Terrifying focuses on causing intense fear, while horrific emphasizes shock and horror, often at something disturbing or gruesome that has already happened rather than something threatening in the moment.
Can horrific be used loosely, as in 'horrific traffic'?
Yes, in informal speech horrific is often used as an exaggeration for something extremely bad or unpleasant, such as 'horrific traffic' or 'horrific weather,' even though its core meaning relates to genuine horror or shock.
