fearsome

adjective

fear·​some ˈfir-səm How to pronounce fearsome (audio)
1
a
: causing fear
a fearsome monster
b
: intense, extreme
fearsome determination
2
fearsomely adverb
fearsomeness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for fearsome

Word History

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fearsome was in 1768

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Cite this Entry

“Fearsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fearsome. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

fearsome

adjective
fear·​some ˈfi(ə)r-səm How to pronounce fearsome (audio)
1
: causing fear
2
: timid
fearsomely adverb
fearsomeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fearsome

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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