heck

noun

ˈhek How to pronounce heck (audio)
Synonyms of hecknext
1
: hell sense 2
all heck breaks loose
2
: hell sense 4
a heck of a lot of money

Synonyms of heck

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Examples of heck in a Sentence

it looks like heck in that boy's bedroom
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.
So okay, what the heck is this thing? — Quanta Magazine, 25 June 2026 But what the heck will this show even be about? — Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026 The grandkids and grandpa are enjoying the heck out of life. — Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 But both are concerned as heck about their missing boy, Carter, who is having some growing-up issues with his parents. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for heck

Word History

Etymology

euphemism

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of heck was in 1887

Rhymes for heck

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Browse Nearby Words

Hechtia
heck
Heck
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Cite this Entry

“Heck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heck. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Biographical Definition

Heck

biographical name

ˈhek How to pronounce Heck (audio)
Richard F(red) 1931–2015 American chemist

More from Merriam-Webster on heck

Nglish: Translation of heck for Spanish Speakers

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