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

• 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

As both of these galactic powers forge an uneasy alliance, a threat to the entire galaxy appears in the fearsome form of a warlord known as The Mule whose sights are set on ruling the universe by use of physical and military force, as well as mind control. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 30 June 2025

Visiting them, you’re surrounded by centuries of royal secrets, scandals, treasonous plots, and the fearsome power of England’s monarchy. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Roca’s maneuvers have both a theatrical elegance and a fearsome daring; his bravado is refined by his bravery, his defiant gaze challenging not just the bull but death itself. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 June 2025

The Mystics' paint attack is the most fearsome in the league. —Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025

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