frightful

adjective

fright·​ful ˈfrīt-fəl 

1

: causing intense fear or alarm : terrifying

2

: startling especially in being bad or objectionable

a frightful novel

3

: extreme

frightful thirst

frightfully

ˈfrīt-fə-lē 

adverb

frightfulness noun

Synonyms

• alarming
• dire
• direful
• dread
• dreadful
• fearful
• fearsome
• forbidding
• formidable
• frightening
• ghastly
• hair-raising
• horrendous
• horrible
• horrifying
• intimidating
• redoubtable
• scary
• shocking
• spine-chilling
• terrible
• terrifying

Examples of frightful in a Sentence

As he fell, he let out a frightful scream.

a frightful illness that causes extreme pain

The children made a frightful mess of the kitchen.

Many critics have expressed shock at the song's frightful lyrics.

Recent Examples on the Web

Give a listen to a tale well told, get your home ready for spring, have a frightful weekend, pick up a free comic book or celebrate in character a galaxy far, far away. —John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2025

What the Voice of the People is saying is: ‘Look at that frightful ass Spode swanking about in footer bags. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025

Moments after the game begins, a frightful hurricane takes young Hazel Flood’s home. —Harold Goldberg, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

Needless to say, those of us who remember 1987 are trembling, and were expecting a frightful jobs report. —Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

fright entry 1 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for frightful

• rightful
• spiteful
• delightful
• insightful

Kids Definition

frightful

adjective

fright·​ful ˈfrīt-fəl 

1

: causing fear or alarm

2

: causing shock or horror

a frightful novel

3

: very strong

a frightful thirst

frightfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

frightfulness noun