intimidating

adjective

in·​tim·​i·​dat·​ing in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tiŋ 

: 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

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

Synonyms

• terrifying
• frightening
• formidable
• scary
• horrible
• terrible

Examples of intimidating in a Sentence

the school's seniors faced the intimidating prospect of the college entrance exams

an intimidating bodyguard keeping the fans away from the pop star

Recent Examples on the Web

Byrne has never been better, sharper, or more intimidating as a screen presence, carrying the movie with squints and frowns. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025

Even at just 5-4, Mirabal can be an intimidating presence. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2025

The New York bullpen now includes Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Bird, Bednar, and Doval, so the thinnest group on the roster is suddenly deep and intimidating. —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025

Another gentle giant Who could forget Mr. Larson, Happy's intimidating but friendly former boss, played by Richard Kiel? —Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 25 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for intimidating

• accelerating
• accentuating
• accommodating
• accumulating
• adjudicating
• administrating
• affiliating
• agglutinating
• alienating
• alleviating
• amalgamating
• ameliorating