1
: causing intense fear or alarm : terrifying
2
: startling especially in being bad or objectionable
a frightful novel
3
: extreme
frightful thirst
frightfulness
noun
fright·ful·ness
-fəlnə̇s
plural -es
1
: the quality or state of being frightful
2
[translation of German schrecklichkeit]
: action or policy intended to terrorize especially in warfare
Examples of frightful in a Sentence
Adjective
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
CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
The former is the fastest feasible way to get astronauts to Mars, operating at a frightful peak temperature of 4,400 degrees Fahrenheit (2,425 degrees Celsius)—and venting radioactive exhaust—albeit only for short, intense bursts.
—David W. Brown, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026
Every traveler has their own set of needs for a more comfortable flight; some need head support, some prefer memory foam, and some need a pillow that can handle the frightful middle seat.
—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
Their first thought was that perhaps Jeff King had killed the Wellses’ dog, a frightful notion on its own.
—Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frightful
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Adjective
For a few frightful moments, nothing else mattered for the Flyers.
—CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
The former is the fastest feasible way to get astronauts to Mars, operating at a frightful peak temperature of 4,400 degrees Fahrenheit (2,425 degrees Celsius)—and venting radioactive exhaust—albeit only for short, intense bursts.
—David W. Brown, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026
Every traveler has their own set of needs for a more comfortable flight; some need head support, some prefer memory foam, and some need a pillow that can handle the frightful middle seat.
—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
Their first thought was that perhaps Jeff King had killed the Wellses’ dog, a frightful notion on its own.
—Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frightful
Cite this Entry
“Frightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frightful. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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