intimidating

adjective

in·tim·i·dat·ing | \ in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tiŋ

Definition of intimidating

: causing a loss of courage or self-confidence : producing feelings of fear or timidity an intimidating snarl a boss with a very intimidating manner The Red Army athletes were the most intimidating of competitors.— Ian Thomsen First jobs are intimidating for everyone, but few people have to cope with the stresses of the workplace at such a tender age as ballet dancers do.— Daphne Hurford

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Other Words from intimidating

intimidatingly adverb

The ship was eerily, intimidatingly empty … — Anthony Bourdain … according to the architect Richard Rogers, [Daniel] Libeskind's work isn't just formally arresting—it is intimidatingly smart. — Jason Cowley

Examples of intimidating in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This office building, where visitors must deposit their passports or ID cards before entry, has all the intimidating atmosphere of a French government department. — Sarah Mower, Vogue, "Virgil Abloh Talks Louis Vuitton: “I Want a Young Generation to Know, Hey, There’s Someone Here Who’s Listening”," 21 June 2018 The process can be both intimidating and stressful for those wishing to undertake it. — Hannah Brashers, Allure, "What to Expect When Reporting a Sexual Assault to Law Enforcement," 12 Apr. 2019 Camila's high-fashion fit might look a little intimidating, but the message is one to remember: boyfriend jeans and camel pleather are a total win. — Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, "10 Instagram-Worthy Ways to Wear Boyfriend Jeans," 8 Jan. 2019 This is only a training session for Galatasaray's players and the fans have produced an atmosphere that is more intimidating than 80% of football grounds across the globe! — SI.com, "VIDEO: Galatasaray Fans Take Over Istanbul Derby Training Session in Daunting Fashion," 17 Mar. 2018 Saban’s the same way, if slightly more personable and therefore slightly less intimidating. — Gregg Doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: Belichick isn't coming, so Colts should try to hire the next best guy — Nick Saban," 9 Jan. 2018 But getting your foot in the door can feel intimidating. — Jessica Cumberbatch Anderson, House Beautiful, "You Can Totally Win at Your First Country Auction. Here's How," 29 Aug. 2018 Enjoy live music and late night treats at Wynwood Yard If salsa dancing sounds too intimidating, enjoy a three-day soul, funk, and Motown festival at the always fun Wynwood Yard starting on Thursday, December 6. — Patricia Garcia, Vogue, "The Cultural Guide to Avoiding Art Basel This Year," 4 Dec. 2018 Orange might seem intimidating, but its bright hue is actually a perfect choice. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "The Best Lipstick Shades to Wear This Halloween — and How to Do It," 21 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intimidating.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.