abysmal

adjective

ə-ˈbiz-məl How to pronounce abysmal (audio)
Definition of abysmalnext
1
as in terrible
extremely unsatisfactory The coach apologized for the abysmal performance of the team in the loss.

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deep
extending far downward Strange sounds echoed from the abysmal reaches of the cave.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of abysmal Although the stock market continues to smash through record highs, research suggests that consumer sentiment—how confident people feel about their own finances and about the economy—is abysmal. — Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026 And the suddenly competitive division rave has been one of the league's biggest storylines after an abysmal opening month for the Phillies hit its lowest point in an early-season series against the Braves. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 After shooting an abysmal 1-for-8 from the 3-point line in Saturday’s loss to the Aces, Burton hit two of her seven attempts from deep and was 7-of-15 from the field. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 10 June 2026 Roki Sasaki’s abysmal appearance faded away in the Dodgers’ 12-7 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night, but only after the National League West leaders rose from a catatonic first inning. — Liana Handler follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for abysmal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abysmal
  1. terrible
  2. deep
  3. horrible
  4. profound
  5. poor
  6. awful
  7. dismal
  8. atrocious
Adjective
  • Thank you to everyone who read or contributed to this column over the years, who reached out to me with story ideas or tips, or complimented my terrible artwork.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Visitors will see his Rough Riders uniform; the 1884 diary grieving his terrible loss; and the eyeglasses case, speech and shirt from the 1912 assassination attempt against him.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of terrible
Adjective
  • The arils are deep ruby-red in color and have a sweet yet slightly tart flavor that many people find refreshing.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Facing intense competition, Accor recognized the need for deeper customer retention and advocacy.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of deep
Adjective
  • And obviously, slavery was a terrible thing, and that was horrible.
    — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
  • Horton, who married Rickman in 2012 in a private ceremony after more than 40 years together, also told the outlet that the diagnosis had been a horrible shock to them both.
    — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • The client’s specific, unique facts can have a profound effect.
    — Karen Koehler, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
  • However, these signatures tell a profound story of evolving American finance.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of profound
Adjective
  • Overflowing poor drainage areas in urban areas of northwest Hickory and in the Northlakes area of Caldwell County.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
  • There was a lot of poor decision-making with this match, on and off the pitch.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of poor
Adjective
  • One year Pippa Middleton faced the awful shame of having to sit in a normal seat after showing up late.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • Sugar is at the forensic lab with the corpse of a man who looks an awful lot like Ji Moon but isn’t Ji Moon (courtesy of Shea Whigham as Tom Flybjerg).
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 27 June 2026
Definition of awful
Adjective
  • Other areas of the West, such as California, have long enacted drought-control measures, prompting some homeowners to paint their grass green rather than see the dismal reminder of their lawn’s death.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026
  • Despite their dismal start this year, the Royals still believe in their coaching staff.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
Definition of dismal
Adjective
  • The heat was punishing, the aesthetic was strictly corporate and the soccer itself was deeply atrocious.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
  • The big-picture difference on Monday was that San Antonio’s offense finally showed up, and, in particular, that the Spurs didn’t combust with atrocious decisions in transition.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Definition of atrocious

Browse Nearby Words

abysm
abysmal
abysmally
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Cite this Entry

“Abysmal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abysmal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of abysmal for Spanish Speakers

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