terrifying

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ 

ˈte-rə-

1

: causing terror or apprehension

2

: of a formidable nature

terrifyingly adverb

Synonyms of terrifying

• frightening
• scary
• formidable
• horrible
• terrible
• intimidating

Examples of terrifying in a Sentence

The thought of dying alone was terrifying.

heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room

Recent Examples on the Web

There is also something terrifying about realizing the responsibility is entirely yours, too. — Kristin Vance Richards, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The thefts, besides sometimes terrifying staff, are a drag on the train operators’ bottom lines. — Kiel Porter, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026

Video captured recently in Botswana shows the terrifying moment a tourist boat had to outpace a charging hippo. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

The bandages, cuts and stitches were still fresh from the terrifying attack on Jones Street on Wednesday evening. — Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for terrifying

• applying
• belying
• complying
• decrying
• defying
• denying
• implying
• outlying
• relying
• replying
• supplying
• undying