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

Simmons has terrific length (despite barely being 6-3), along with excellent bend and sink — a truly terrifying blend for offensive tackles. — Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 22 July 2026

After a terrifying bison attack at Yellowstone National Park left Carl Isom-McDaniel with a broken leg, the grandfather from Kendall, Washington is speaking out about the harrowing experience. — Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

And that experience of empathy and compassion would connect us to a thread across time to people experiencing a terrifying and traumatic event, and to see that in our world now. — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

View gallery - 5 images What sounds more terrifying than a part-cockroach, part-robot cyborg? — New Atlas, 18 July 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