terrific

adjective

ter·​rif·​ic tə-ˈri-fik How to pronounce terrific (audio)
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 adverb

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 The chart-topping South Carolina act, fronted by terrific lead vocalist Bear Rinehart, performs May 8 at the open-air venue. Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2024 Aside from that, this is a terrific little toaster for the money, and at only nine inches across fits nicely even on smaller countertops. Megan Wahn, Bon Appétit, 19 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for terrific 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'terrific.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near terrific

Cite this Entry

“Terrific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrific. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on terrific

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!