1
: causing intense fear or alarm : terrifying
2
: startling especially in being bad or objectionable
a frightful novel
3
: extreme
frightful thirst
frightfulness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of frightful in a Sentence
As he fell, he let out a frightful scream.
a frightful illness that causes extreme pain
The children made a frightful mess of the kitchen.
Many critics have expressed shock at the song's frightful lyrics.
Recent Examples on the Web
Families with young children can always visit the park during the day as the frightful activities commence after 6:30 P.M.
Are there rides at Halloween Horror Nights?
—
Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
The Dodgers and their frightful collection of lumber, for the record, will do that to plenty of arms.
—Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for frightful 
Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
The Dodgers and their frightful collection of lumber, for the record, will do that to plenty of arms.
—Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for frightful
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'frightful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near frightful
Cite this Entry
“Frightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frightful. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
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