terrifying

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ 

ˈte-rə-

1

: causing terror or apprehension

2

: of a formidable nature

terrifyingly adverb

Synonyms of terrifying

• frightening
• scary
• formidable
• horrible
• terrible
• intimidating

Examples of terrifying in a Sentence

The thought of dying alone was terrifying.

heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room

Recent Examples on the Web

The woman, 56, described what came next as a terrifying and humiliating few months. —Claire Galofaro, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026

Long before Helen Mirren played tenacious and terrifying matriarchs in 1923 and MobLand, the Oscar-winning icon had already proven her ability to play tough-as-nails characters in the classic British procedural Prime Suspect. —Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026

Even under these terrifying circumstances, what my eighth graders dreamed of most was attending the high school of their choice. —Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

The series follows the residents of a remote island town called Widow’s Bay, just off the coast of New England, that just so happens to be cursed and haunted with all manner of terrifying things. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for terrifying

• applying
• belying
• complying
• decrying
• defying
• denying
• implying
• outlying
• relying
• replying
• supplying
• undying