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 of intimidating

• 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

Having the carpool piece in place makes the new school year feel far less intimidating. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 6 July 2026

Features that support transparency can make that transition feel less intimidating. — Matthew Kayser updated July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Since the stadium was adjusted, reducing the capacity, raising prices and adding suites, the atmosphere has become a little less intimidating. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 July 2026

The caps, made from real bear skin, are a distinctive part of the military uniform, designed to make troops appear taller and more intimidating. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 24 June 2026

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