fearsome

adjective

fear·​some ˈfir-səm 

1

a

: causing fear

a fearsome monster

b

: intense, extreme

fearsome determination

2

: timid, timorous

fearsomely adverb

fearsomeness noun

Synonyms of fearsome

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

Examples of fearsome in a Sentence

at night the child would always imagine that there were fearsome monsters lurking under his bed

after working all afternoon in the hot sun, I had developed a fearsome thirst

Recent Examples on the Web

Romantic; something about the fearsome, post-human immensity of these spaces clearly inspired him. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026

Still, the constant death against even low-level grunt enemies, let alone fearsome bosses, is annoying and obnoxious. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026

But fandom is a powerful force, and appointment viewing has tamed the beast into something fearsome. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Start with the fearsome defensive tackle duo of Tim Bowens, a member of the Dolphins Ring of Honor, and Daryl Gardener, a 300-pound pair who were imposing even by NFL standards. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

fear entry 1 + -some entry 1

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

fearsome

adjective

fear·​some ˈfi(ə)r-səm 

1

: causing fear

2

: timid

fearsomely adverb

fearsomeness noun