formidable
adjective
for·mi·da·ble
ˈfȯr-mə-də-bəl 
fȯr-ˈmi-də-bəl
fȯr-ˈmi-də-bəl
fər-ˈmi-də-bəl
1
: causing fear, dread, or apprehension : very difficult to deal with
a formidable challenge
The mountains were a formidable barrier.
2
: having qualities that discourage approach or attack : very powerful or strong
a formidable enemy/opponent/weapon
3
: tending to inspire awe or wonder : impressive
a formidable accomplishment
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.
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 on the Web
Suárez will slot behind Garrett Crochet at the top of the rotation, making a formidable 1-2 punch followed by Gray and Brayan Bello.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Joining her at the Arsht will be the formidable voices of mezzo-soprano Deniz Uzun, tenor Joshua Guerrero and baritone Tereq Nazmi, alongside the magnificent Cleveland Orchestra Chorus.
—Luis Palomares, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
But together, the tools are formidable.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Jan. 2026
Buckley’s win over a formidable lineup that included Renate Reinsve, Jennifer Lawrence and Julia Roberts signals deep support, while the film’s best picture (drama) victory reinforces its standing as a potential spoiler down the road for the Focus Features critical hit.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formidable
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.
Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Joining her at the Arsht will be the formidable voices of mezzo-soprano Deniz Uzun, tenor Joshua Guerrero and baritone Tereq Nazmi, alongside the magnificent Cleveland Orchestra Chorus.
—Luis Palomares, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2026
But together, the tools are formidable.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Jan. 2026
Buckley’s win over a formidable lineup that included Renate Reinsve, Jennifer Lawrence and Julia Roberts signals deep support, while the film’s best picture (drama) victory reinforces its standing as a potential spoiler down the road for the Focus Features critical hit.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Cite this Entry
“Formidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formidable. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
formidable
adjective
for·mi·da·ble
ˈfȯr-məd-ə-bəl
also
fȯr-ˈmid-
1
: causing fear or dread
a formidable foe
2
: offering serious difficulties
the mountains were a formidable barrier
3
: very impressive
had won a formidable number of medals
formidableness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
