terrific
Americanadjective
-
extraordinarily great or intense.
terrific speed.
- Synonyms:
- remarkable, extraordinary
-
extremely good; wonderful.
a terrific vacation.
- Synonyms:
- excellent, fine, remarkable, extraordinary
-
causing terror; terrifying.
adjective
-
very great or intense
a terrific noise
-
informal very good; excellent
a terrific singer
-
very frightening
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of terrific
1660–70; < Latin terrificus frightening, equivalent to terr ( ēre ) to frighten + -i- -i- + -ficus -fic
Explanation
Something that's terrific is wonderful, like a terrific concert you'll never forget. Terrific can also describe something very intense, like a terrific thunderstorm. Anything huge or loud or forceful can be described with the adjective terrific. A marathon runner might put in a terrific effort during the last mile of the race, or a band can make a terrific racket when it practices. Terrific can also mean great, like your terrific new hair cut. Terrific's origin is more scary than wonderful: the Latin root is terrificus, causing terror or fear.
Vocabulary lists containing terrific
"Dragon, Dragon"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The sequel to ”The Devil Wears Prada” just had a terrific opening weekend, taking in $77 million in the U.S. and $233 million globally, according to Variety.
From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026
It’s hard not to wonder, though; Ms. Theron is moodily terrific, but Sasha is often distracted by her pursuers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
Virginia Woolf’s status as a feminist heroine may be somewhat dimmed by the fact that she was a terrific snob.
From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026
Lloyd's searing finish was at least a moment to savour after Nelson's terrific vision and kick, as well as Rollie's well-timed pass.
From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026
Everybody made a terrific noise, shouting and yelling and stamping, cheering Grandma.
From "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
