Definition of formidable
1 : causing fear, dread, or apprehension a formidable prospect
2 : having qualities that discourage approach or attack a formidable opponent
3 : tending to inspire awe or wonder : impressive a formidable accomplishment
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Examples of formidable in a Sentence
She was known throughout Manchester as a formidable woman, and being educated had only piled more formidability on top of what she had been born with. —Edward P. Jones, The Known World, 2003
The technology was formidable: using two and a half million rivets, 300 steeplejacks working flat out would run it up in the space of two years … —Alistair Horne, Seven Ages of Paris, 2002
Alta is reached by a hairpin road that climbs steadily upward—a ride of thirty minutes or so, depending on road and weather conditions—through some of the most formidable mountain scenery in the country. —Cynthia Zarin, New Yorker, 23 Mar. 1992
The mountains were a formidable barrier.
He has mastered a formidable amount of material.
Recent Examples of formidable from the Web
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Standing in the way of Real and history is a formidable Juventus side which is on course to register the Champions League's joint-best defensive record.
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But her album topped the charts for a formidable 10 weeks, until Meet the Beatles!
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PARIS — France’s boyish president already has faced down Donald J. Trump, lectured Vladimir V. Putin and confronted the formidable French labor unions — all in less than three weeks.
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Despite Putin’s triumphal language, the annexation presented Russia with a formidable logistical challenge: Crimea’s physical isolation.
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Of course, this Portland team, despite some recent struggles the past four games, is a far more formidable opponent than Salt Lake.
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Looking ahead to the Warriors' Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, as formidable a four as ever assembled in the NBA, poor James not only must overcome them, but must play a ghost as well.
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A formidable list of contenders are circling from as many directions as the blades of the iconic Iron Throne point, which has not escaped the notice of the throne’s current occupant.
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The advanced third generation tank will replace older Soviet-era designs and is set to be a formidable opponent to NATO designs including the American M1A2 Abrams.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'formidable'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of formidable
Middle English, from Latin formidabilis, from formidare to fear, from formido terror, bogey; akin to Greek mormō bogey
First Known Use: 15th century
FORMIDABLE Defined for English Language Learners
formidable
playDefinition of formidable for English Language Learners
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: very powerful or strong : deserving serious attention and respect
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: very difficult to deal with
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: large or impressive in size or amount
FORMIDABLE Defined for Kids
formidable
playDefinition of formidable for Students
1 : causing fear or awe a formidable enemy
2 : offering serious difficulties a formidable task
3 : large or impressive in size or extent a formidable waterfall
formidably
adverbLearn More about formidable
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for formidable Spanish Central: Translation of formidable Nglish: Translation of formidable for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of formidable for Arabic speakers
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