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

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.

Synonyms

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

Examples of frightening in a Sentence

a truly frightening movie

Recent Examples on the Web

Moreover, if their environment is unpredictable, frightening, or volatile, some children learn that any disagreement could lead to danger and try to bury their feelings to avoid conflict and maintain a sense of peace. —Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 7 July 2025

The great outdoors can be a big and frightening place, especially for cats who have only seen it from the safety of the great indoors. —Joan Morris, Mercury News, 7 July 2025

Their options in attack are frightening: Sandy Baltimore, Kadidiatou Diani, Delphine Cascarino, Clara Mateo and Katoto. —Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 5 July 2025

Still, the man is an exceptional talent, both phenomenal and frightening as a troubled amateur bodybuilder in Elijah Bynum's intoxicating cautionary tale. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of frighten

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for frightening

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