frightening

adjective

fright·​en·​ing ˈfrī-tᵊn-iŋ 

ˈfrīt-niŋ

: causing fear

frightening news

a very frightening experience

The man with red eyes made the frightening grimace that passed for his smile.

—Madeleine L'Engle

For a man who had tussled with crocs, venomous snakes and other frightening creatures, this was going to be a leisurely swim.

—Jennifer Wulff et al.

Synonyms of frightening

• terrifying
• scary
• formidable
• horrible
• terrible
• intimidating

Examples of frightening in a Sentence

a truly frightening movie

Recent Examples on the Web

The frightening encounter comes weeks after a hiker was airlifted from a remote Ventura County trail following a rattlesnake bite. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

The Other Mommy trailer, which is now available online after playing before The Odyssey on its opening weekend in theaters, is both ridiculous and frightening. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 July 2026

Without training in how to respond to it, a threat can feel not just frightening but formless, something to be endured rather than navigated. — Andrei Popoviciu, The Dial, 21 July 2026

Being bold and courageous sounds fun and exciting, but can also be frightening. — Bykaren R. McDaniel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of frighten

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for frightening

• brightening
• heightening
• lightening
• tightening
• whitening
• enlightening