Nightmarish describes something resembling or causing the experience of a nightmare; extremely unpleasant, frightening, or disturbing. It evokes feelings of intense dread, terror, helplessness, and often involves illogical or surreal elements. The term implies a prolonged or recurring state of distress, leaving a lasting impact on one's emotional or psychological state. It can be applied to physical environments, situations, events, or even abstract concepts that generate a sense of profound anxiety and despair. A nightmarish experience is characterized by a potent combination of fear and helplessness, making it difficult to escape the pervasive sense of dread.
Nightmarish meaning with examples
- The car accident was a nightmarish sequence of events; the screech of tires, the shattering glass, and the screams echoing in my ears. I felt trapped, utterly helpless as the world spun around me, leaving lasting trauma.
- The labyrinthine bureaucracy and constant rejections made the job application process a nightmarish ordeal. Each hurdle felt insurmountable, adding layers of frustration and hopelessness, draining all my optimism for employment.
- The deserted, decaying mansion, filled with creaking doors and cobwebs, created a nightmarish setting for the horror movie. Every shadow seemed to conceal a threat, amplifying the viewers' sense of unease and anticipation.
- Living under a constant barrage of misinformation and fake news created a nightmarish environment where trust eroded, facts blurred, and truth became a casualty. The endless cycle left me feeling disoriented.
Nightmarish Synonyms
agonizing alarming chilling dreadful frightening ghastly gruesome harrowing horrific horrifying petrifying shocking terrifying traumatic unsettlingNightmarish Antonyms
calming comforting delightful dreamlike peaceful pleasant reassuring serene soothingNightmarish Crossword Answers
9 Letters
APPALLING
10 Letters
TERRIFYING
11 Letters
HAIRRAISING
13 Letters
BLOODCURDLING