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

Named Greek mythology’s fearsome Titan, Kronosaurus ruled the Early Cretaceous waters near present-day Australia. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 July 2026

Pogačar dropped Vingegaard on the ascent of the fearsome Tourmalet — but actually took more time on the descent. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 July 2026

In walked a rugged giant of a man who had a fearsome aura about him. — Scott Jenkins, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026

Viewership has dropped, but big battles with their fearsome fire-breathing dragons could easily bring viewers back, especially since this really has been a step in the right direction compared to Season 2. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 July 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