Synonyms for "bad"
15 kid-friendly synonyms for bad, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).
What does "bad" mean?
The word bad is an adjective that means: not good or not nice.
Example: "It is bad to be mean to others."
Grade K–2Easy synonyms for bad
Younger kids can use these in place of "bad":
Grade 3–5Stronger words for bad
For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:
Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for bad
Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:
Opposites of bad (antonyms)
Words that mean the opposite of bad:
FAQ — synonyms for bad
What is a good synonym for bad in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try mean. For older students, "terrible" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does bad have?
We list 15 grade-appropriate synonyms for bad across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is bad a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, bad is used as an adjective.
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