frightening

1 of 2

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

For 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.

frightening

2 of 2

present participle of frighten

Synonyms of frightening

Adjective

• terrifying
• scary
• formidable
• horrible
• terrible
• intimidating

Examples of frightening in a Sentence

Adjective

a truly frightening movie

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The documentary asserts Musk has vastly overstated the capacities of Tesla vehicles, dazzling 60 Minutes’ Lesley Stahl and other journalists with displays of his electric cars proceeding under their own guidance, while hiding a frightening reality. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026

Como are playing some slick football under Cesc Fabregas, and while 21-year-old Nico Paz is still the shining star at the heart of every attack, Baturina has also clicked into a frightening gear. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Poty remembers his most frightening confrontation, from a couple of years ago. — Marina Dias, Washington Post, 2 Sep. 2026

As its frightening trailers have shown, Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung and Hoyeon play villagers facing off with a mysterious and violent creature. — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of frighten

First Known Use

Adjective

1652, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for frightening

• brightening
• heightening
• lightening
• tightening
• whitening
• enlightening