Synonyms for Dreadful
Definition of dreadful
adjective
- causing fear or dread or terror; "the awful war"; "an awful risk"; "dire news"; "a career or vengeance so direful that London was shocked"; "the dread presence of the headmaster"; "polio is no longer the dreaded disease it once was"; "a dreadful storm"; "a fearful howling"; "horrendous explosions shook the city"; "a terrible curse"
- exceptionally bad or displeasing; "atrocious taste"; "abominable workmanship"; "an awful voice"; "dreadful manners"; "a painful performance"; "terrible handwriting"; "an unspeakable odor came sweeping into the room"
- very unpleasant
18 synonyms found
Writing tips for "dreadful"
Choosing the right synonym depends on context, tone, and audience. Words like abominable, alarming, atrocious can replace "dreadful" depending on the shade of meaning you need. In poetry and songwriting, swapping synonyms lets you match a rhyme scheme or meter without changing your meaning. In prose, varying your word choice avoids repetition and keeps readers engaged.
With 18 alternatives available, "dreadful" gives you flexibility across registers — from formal to casual, from literary to conversational. Try pairing these synonyms with our rhyme finder to discover words that both mean and sound like what you need.
"Dreadful" in song lyrics
See how dreadful is used in real songs:
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"Runnin' up on me, it'll be dreadful"
Flesh-N-Bone f/ Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone — Playa Hater -
"Flinch your a goner I'm deadly and dreadful"
Lone Ninja — Wind Darts -
"Trying to keep my head cool, dead pool, tired dreadful"
U-God — Universal Law