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

That grandiosity simmers down into terrifying chase soundtracks and menacing hunter's heartbeats as the movie continues, but the after-image of those glorious strings lingers through the rest of the franchise. —Alex Galbraith, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Feb. 2026

Even the more terrifying creatures, like rattlesnakes and scorpions, have their own undeniable, deadly beauty. —Becky Bartkowski, AZCentral.com, 14 Feb. 2026

The story that introduced millions of streaming viewers to the Crain family and their terrifying home is getting a brand-new life — this time, on stage. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026

The whole experience was thrilling, but in a kind of terrifying way. —Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for terrifying

• amplifying
• beautifying
• certifying
• clarifying
• classifying
• codifying
• crucifying
• edifying
• falsifying
• fortifying
• glorifying
• gratifying