1
as in horrific
extremely disturbing or repellent
an atrocious crime that shocked even hardened members of the police force
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in horrible
extremely unsatisfactory
the picture quality on the pirated DVD was atrocious
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3
as in brutal
having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others
the atrocious treatment of prisoners at the camps
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of atrocious
And since the engine was still hanging out over the back axle, handling remained atrocious.
—
Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 22 May 2025
Even if there is no police report or formal complaint, Netflix could do its due diligence of getting into the social-media groups and taking a peek to see if there’s anything atrocious being said about some of these men.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 21 May 2025
The company also floated an atrocious proposal to erect a 50-story apartment tower on the same pier, but that ambition thankfully dissipated.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 21 May 2025
McIlroy then happened to have an atrocious week driving the golf ball.
—Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrocious
Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 22 May 2025
Even if there is no police report or formal complaint, Netflix could do its due diligence of getting into the social-media groups and taking a peek to see if there’s anything atrocious being said about some of these men.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 21 May 2025
The company also floated an atrocious proposal to erect a 50-story apartment tower on the same pier, but that ambition thankfully dissipated.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 21 May 2025
McIlroy then happened to have an atrocious week driving the golf ball.
—Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for atrocious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for atrocious
Adjective
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But the first lady and I are here in Texas to express the love and support and the anguish of our entire nation in the aftermath of this really horrific and deadly flood.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
11 July 2025
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California homeowner’s insurance premiums were already rising before the horrific Southern California wildfires in January.—
Scott Cohn,
CNBC,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Because of Denise Gough's human frailty as a woman destroyed by her own ambition and Kyle Soller's cowardice in the face of a horrible truth.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
23 July 2025
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Soak up the gall of losing, absorb the horrible information, feel it to the full, go there—and then rebound, with superb elasticity.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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This created a growing population of vulnerable, undocumented workers in the 1960s and ’70s who increasingly faced brutal apprehensions.—
Jimmy Patino,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 July 2025
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According to an arrest affidavit obtained by USA Today, the 21-year-old approached a woman from behind at a self-checkout lane at a Walmart in Tennessee, and launched into a brutal attack.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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But the gruesome truth remains — more than 120 are people are dead, including children.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
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Other all-original haunted houses will include Jason Universe, which takes guests back to the summer camp where, one Friday the 13th, the gruesome legend was born.—
Tom Tapp,
Deadline,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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If Trump takes Powell’s scalp, most observers warn, terrible things will unfold because of the ballooning national debt.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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But when terrible news arrives about her ex, all eyes turn to Ana — whose reputation isn't exactly sterling.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
21 July 2025
Adjective
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Each of us should demand our local leaders challenge every one of the immoral and cruel state laws and the Gestapo-like raids and inhumane detainments carried out by ICE agents.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
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Even critics who considered his policies cruel and racist – and there were many – admitted that behind the bluster there was the charm of a true believer.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Bonnie came to her father's defense in May 2020 after Chapman shared the shocking news of his engagement to girlfriend Francie just 10 months after Beth’s death.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
21 July 2025
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This shocking breach transformed a beloved feed into a source of confusion and pain.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
20 July 2025
Adjective
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Pictures of Piper the dog, who last year went through an awful health scare after having a rawhide treat.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
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That’s a horrible way to feel, and an awful way for fans to treat her.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
16 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Atrocious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/atrocious. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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