What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nightmare
Example
I had a nightmare last night about being chased by a monster. [nightmare: noun]
Example
The project turned into a nightmare when we realized we were missing crucial information. [nightmare: noun]
Example
Dealing with this health issue has been a nightmare for me. [nightmare: adjective]
terror
Example
The passengers on the plane felt a sense of terror when they heard the engine fail. [terror: noun]
Example
The city was under a state of terror after the bombing. [terror: noun]
Example
The terrorist group was responsible for spreading terror throughout the region. [terror: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nightmare is more commonly used in everyday language than terror, which is often reserved for more extreme or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nightmare and terror?
Both nightmare and terror can be used in formal and informal contexts, but terror may be more commonly used in news or media reporting related to serious events or situations.
