terrifying

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ How to pronounce terrifying (audio)
ˈte-rə-
Synonyms of terrifyingnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Standing at 6ft 4in (194cm), Muriqi is a terrifying presence in the penalty area. Thom Harris, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026 But he is soon confronted with a terrifying reality that could change the course of the war. Alex Ritman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026 Nothing can escape their depths, but as matter funnels into them, a small fraction of it can rebel at the brink of oblivion and form twin jets of terrifying power near the black hole’s poles that beam out into space. Lee Billings, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2026 What begins as an exciting project turns into a terrifying nightmare. Justin Kroll, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrifying

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrifying was circa 1586

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Cite this Entry

“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrifying. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

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