terrifying
adjective
ter·ri·fy·ing
ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ 
ˈte-rə-
1
: causing terror or apprehension
2
: of a formidable nature
terrifyingly
adverb
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
The legislation is named for Bailey’s autistic daughter, Laila, who once ran off without a trace, a terrifying reality for many families caring for people with disabilities.
—
Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 22 Mar. 2026
Or the creative, elaborate, and sometimes terrifying costumes.
—Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
One terrifying assault after another on Jews.
—Joshua M. Davidson, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
The fascinating — and perhaps slightly terrifying — part of this particular season is that both outcomes seem equally possible.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrifying
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Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 22 Mar. 2026
Or the creative, elaborate, and sometimes terrifying costumes.
—Veronica Ortega, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
One terrifying assault after another on Jews.
—Joshua M. Davidson, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
The fascinating — and perhaps slightly terrifying — part of this particular season is that both outcomes seem equally possible.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrifying
Cite this Entry
“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrifying. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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