HORRIFY Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'horrify' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of horrify are appall , daunt , and dismay . While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion. // was horrified by such wanton cruelty

Q: When is 'appall' a more appropriate choice than 'horrify'?

While in some cases nearly identical to horrify , appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks. // I am appalled by your behavior

Q: In what contexts can 'daunt' take the place of 'horrify'?

In some situations, the words daunt and horrify are roughly equivalent. However, daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage. // a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

Q: Where would 'dismay' be a reasonable alternative to 'horrify'?

The words dismay and horrify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something. // dismayed at the size of the job

horrify

verb

ˈhȯr-ə-ˌfī

Definition of horrify

as in to frighten

to strike with fear the old black-and-white psychological thriller still horrifies audiences

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How does the verb horrify contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of horrify are appall, daunt, and dismay. While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion.

was horrified by such wanton cruelty

When is appall a more appropriate choice than horrify?

While in some cases nearly identical to horrify, appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.

I am appalled by your behavior

In what contexts can daunt take the place of horrify?

In some situations, the words daunt and horrify are roughly equivalent. However, daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.

a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

Where would dismay be a reasonable alternative to horrify?

The words dismay and horrify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something.

dismayed at the size of the job

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 horrify On Christmas Day, Neon will weigh in with the best of the three, Luca Guadagnino’s Artificial, a humorous and ultimately horrifying account of 20 years of AI evolution and a scorching portrait of OpenAI founder Sam Altman. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026 VanAntwerp has been horrified to see Kirk’s killing repeatedly, and sometimes menacingly, mocked online. — Jacqueline Ganun, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026 Zinn was cited for distinguished service, but he was horrified by the operation’s steep civilian death toll. — Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2026 When The Swan first aired two decades ago, in 2004, the reality makeover show captivated viewers—and horrified critics. — Joan Kron, Allure, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for horrify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for horrify

Verb

For Cox and Walker, the challenge was to introduce horror-film conventions without frightening the franchise’s youngest viewers.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Guitarricadelafuente said he was initially frightened by the prospect of acting in La Bola Negra.

— Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

No wonder Dad had been terrified of making a mistake, of relaxing or trusting others enough to let his guard down.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Now a ruthless emperor, Paul must face the consequences of his reign as old allies return, terrifying new threats emerge and betrayal lurks in every shadow.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrify

Verb

Surveillance footage & evidence Police reviewed surveillance footage in the area, which showed the two gunshot victims walking, then appear startled, according to court records.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
The parents admit to some corporal punishment, but of a mild sort—the kind that might startle a child but which wouldn’t do bodily harm.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of startle

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horrifies

horrify

horrifying

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“Horrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horrify. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of horrify

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