frightening
adjective
fright·en·ing
ˈfrī-tᵊn-iŋ 
ˈfrīt-niŋ
: causing fear
frightening news
a very frightening experience
The man with red eyes made the frightening grimace that passed for his smile.—
Madeleine L'Engle
Madeleine L'EngleFor a man who had tussled with crocs, venomous snakes and other frightening creatures, this was going to be a leisurely swim.—Jennifer Wulff et al.
Jennifer Wulff et al.Examples of frightening in a Sentence
a truly frightening movie
Recent Examples on the Web
There were no spooky increases at the pumps or frightening fuel costs this Halloween.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025
Flavorlessness is a frightening phenomenon.
—Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
The resulting storyline explores unconventional exorcism and pagan theology in frightening terms — plus the Doors are rocking on the soundtrack.
—Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
However, many people still see nuclear as both frightening and unnecessary.
—Anna Broughel, Forbes.com, 29 Oct. 2025
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Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 31 Oct. 2025
Flavorlessness is a frightening phenomenon.
—Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
The resulting storyline explores unconventional exorcism and pagan theology in frightening terms — plus the Doors are rocking on the soundtrack.
—Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
However, many people still see nuclear as both frightening and unnecessary.
—Anna Broughel, Forbes.com, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frightening
Cite this Entry
“Frightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frightening. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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