as in horrible
causing great and lasting pain or distress
The family struggled to cope with the traumatic experience of losing their home.
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Recent Examples of traumatic
The victims described traumatic experiences that left some with feelings of shame as well as physical side effects, ranging from pain and bleeding to serious infections.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
The extraordinary media interest in the case, which gripped Australia for much of the 10-week trial, had been traumatic for the family, Erin Patterson's estranged husband Simon Patterson - who was invited to the lunch but declined - said at the same hearing.
—Alasdair Pal, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Maddie is talented, warm, funny and kind but also anxious, plagued with low self-esteem cultivated by a traumatic childhood.
—Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
Sheriff’s deputies responded to an early morning disturbance call Saturday in Imperial Beach and discovered a man with traumatic injuries, who died despite lifesaving efforts.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for traumatic
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
The extraordinary media interest in the case, which gripped Australia for much of the 10-week trial, had been traumatic for the family, Erin Patterson's estranged husband Simon Patterson - who was invited to the lunch but declined - said at the same hearing.
—Alasdair Pal, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Maddie is talented, warm, funny and kind but also anxious, plagued with low self-esteem cultivated by a traumatic childhood.
—Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025
Sheriff’s deputies responded to an early morning disturbance call Saturday in Imperial Beach and discovered a man with traumatic injuries, who died despite lifesaving efforts.
—Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for traumatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for traumatic
Adjective
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Can a horrible 17-year-old turn into a 31-year-old person with integrity and empathy?—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Can a 17-year-old horrible person turn into a 31-year-old person with integrity and empathy?—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In other words, the more painful the cry sounded, the warmer the listener's face became—and the effect was the same for both men and women.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
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The Queen could have surgery to remove bunions, but has been warned against it as the surgery is too painful.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Yes, there are so much terrible stuff online.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Sep. 2025
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But that obviously terrible call compromised the integrity of that game last night, and that's something the sport should be looking to avoid.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Congress and state legislatures should investigate and hold the FDA accountable for ignoring overwhelming evidence of harm.—
Lila Rose,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Trump said overwhelming negative coverage about him by television networks should be grounds for the Federal Communications Commission to revoke broadcast licenses.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
This may be subtle but often unsettling in nature.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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For a story that could be this dark, what a gift to be able to recount some of these things, but with a tone that doesn’t need to be wildly investigative and uncomfortable and unsettling.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Tom’s appointees on the task force include Lizzie (Alison Oliver), a state police officer who’s regularly tormented by her fellow cops, and Aleah (Thuso Mbedu), who wins over a suspect in interrogation by sharing awful details of her past.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
17 Sep. 2025
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His college tape from Iowa showed a kid with excellent movement skills, perfect for the Niners’ offense, but with awful footwork in pass protection.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
When Leonora slumps against tins of asparagus tips and white peaches in her larder, the moment of collapse is close to unbearable.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Sep. 2025
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Regardless of your views or political leanings, for many the grief of losing a parent is relatable and unbearable.—
Will Carless,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Fortunately, there are straightforward ways to reduce your chances of being confronted with violent or disturbing videos.—
Annie Margaret,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
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Celebrating the assassination of a 31 year old father of two young kids is disturbing; that teachers would be among those who do so is completely unacceptable.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Traumatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/traumatic. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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