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 next

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 When another colleague and I explained this, our guest was horrified. —

Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026 Many of the Italians who chanted and blew whistles near the grand stone arch in the Piazza XXV Aprile said they had been horrified and angered by images and videos on social media showing ICE agents operating violently in Minneapolis. —

Brian Mann, NPR, 31 Jan. 2026 Like many Marylanders, I am horrified by what this video appears to show. —

Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026 The shredding of the family’s regal aura by Princess Diana, Meghan Markle, and the erstwhile Prince Andrew would have horrified Bagehot. —

Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for horrify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for horrify

Verb

Konstantin, 4, a sociable boy, is often frightened by loud noises and guards, his parents said.

— Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
Like the 1987 Kurt Vonnegut novel from which the restaurant took its name, Bluebeard encourages guests to drop their guard, surround themselves with other people and try something that frightens them a little.

— USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

Definition of frighten

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horrify

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“Horrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horrify. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of horrify

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