1
as in poorly
in an unsatisfactory way
I'm afraid you performed quite badly in our last rehearsal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in terribly
to a great degree
blood donors are badly needed this time of year
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 badly
And all of those variables depend, in turn, on whether Trump decides to temper the policies — as he’s occasionally proved willing to do, especially when financial markets react badly.
—
Jonathan Levin, Twin Cities, 20 July 2025
Like this one — part of a 4-card set depicting a fire in downtown Kansas City in 1907 that killed one man and badly damaged the Pepper Building at the corner of 9th & Locust Streets.
—Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2025
Both started each of Madrid’s first five games and were then badly missed against PSG when ruled out through injury (Alexander-Arnold) and suspension (Huijsen).
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Mile after mile of the region’s precious tree canopy was badly frayed or destroyed.
—Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for badly
Jonathan Levin, Twin Cities, 20 July 2025
Like this one — part of a 4-card set depicting a fire in downtown Kansas City in 1907 that killed one man and badly damaged the Pepper Building at the corner of 9th & Locust Streets.
—Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2025
Both started each of Madrid’s first five games and were then badly missed against PSG when ruled out through injury (Alexander-Arnold) and suspension (Huijsen).
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Mile after mile of the region’s precious tree canopy was badly frayed or destroyed.
—Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for badly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for badly
Adverb
-
But many modern designs are often infuriatingly ineffective at actually filling tanks because the vents work so poorly.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
25 July 2025
-
Local 26 said pay for Fenway employees compares poorly not only just compared to other MLB venues that don’t have the attendance rates of Fenway Park, but also against their union brethren across the city.—
Jason Clinkscales,
Sportico.com,
25 July 2025
Adverb
-
But in practice, most boards aren’t terribly interested in the minutiae of fiscal responsibility and operational efficiencies.—
Matthew Scogin,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
There’s nothing terribly significant about the six-month mark since the Eaton and Palisades fires, or any other history-book disaster.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
Adverb
-
Remember, too much of a good thing can turn bad quickly!—
Amber Smith,
Discover Magazine,
3 Apr. 2024
-
That started off bad and got better.—
Vulture,
Vulture,
21 Feb. 2023
Adverb
-
It’s coated in a thin layer of real gold – not just to look fancy, but because gold reflects infrared light extremely well.—
Adi Foord,
Space.com,
26 July 2025
-
An Extreme Heat Warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring.—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
25 July 2025
Adverb
-
And a lot of people took it very much to heart and very seriously.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
26 July 2025
-
And notably Melvin Capital, which had a very large short position against GameStop, lost billions of dollars and closed because of this trade.—
Ricardo Torres,
jsonline.com,
26 July 2025
Adverb
-
Sour Strawberry Candy Belts These sour straws are almost too chewy, but incredibly satisfying.—
Alex Beggs,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
19 July 2025
-
This particular trick works incredibly well for window and standing air conditioners, since their output is already focused in a single area of the home.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 July 2025
Adverb
-
But scammers also text and ask for cryptocurrency and cash, too.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
24 July 2025
-
Construction continues on nearly $200 million in roadway improvements at Nashville International Airport, and that means traffic interruptions persist too.—
Hadley Hitson,
The Tennessean,
24 July 2025
Adverb
-
What other body traits attract mosquitoes? Body odor and sweat Mosquitoes are highly sensitive to body odor, particularly to compounds like lactic acid, ammonia and uric acid found in sweat, according to a post by Our Blood Institute.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
21 July 2025
-
In May, Kennedy sent a letter to health systems across the US, telling them that care of trans children should rely on a highly critical and controversial review of the science that Trump had ordered.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Badly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/badly. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share