1
as in terrifying
causing fear
a formidable, irascible old man who frightened the neighborhood children
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2
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
running a marathon is a formidable undertaking
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formidable
Friday, the team’s 11 personnel (three receivers) became more formidable with Luther Burden III.
—
Adam Jahns, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Founded in 1876 by Eduard Sacher, the hotel came into its own under the stewardship of his formidable widow, Anna Sacher.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025
Wang has $106,000 in independent support, the majority of it from Empower Oakland, a nonprofit co-founded by mayoral candidate Loren Taylor that has emerged as a formidable funding arm in the city’s politics.
—Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025
Cornyn is considered a formidable fundraiser; he’s brought in more than $415 million during his time in the Senate.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Adam Jahns, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Founded in 1876 by Eduard Sacher, the hotel came into its own under the stewardship of his formidable widow, Anna Sacher.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025
Wang has $106,000 in independent support, the majority of it from Empower Oakland, a nonprofit co-founded by mayoral candidate Loren Taylor that has emerged as a formidable funding arm in the city’s politics.
—Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025
Cornyn is considered a formidable fundraiser; he’s brought in more than $415 million during his time in the Senate.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formidable
Adjective
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The teaser trailer showcases the epic highs and lows of professional football, with a focus on the lows, as all of this looks terrifying.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
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But despite the terrifying name, giant viruses aren’t necessarily any more dangerous than a standard-sized species.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Whitecaps won games in Mexico, which is difficult to do.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
24 Apr. 2025
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The task for Denver tonight will be that much more difficult if Michael Porter Jr. (shoulder) is unavailable or limited.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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After the frightening threat, the man suddenly ran off in an unknown direction.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2025
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Serena Joy Waterford is among the most frightening, dead-hearted women ever written for the small screen.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Preserving that right to choose is what will help the Maryland economy flourish and grow during economically challenging times.—
Albert R. Wynn,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2025
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This is likely due to high interest rates and a challenging inflationary environment.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The frontman proved expressive and animated despite serious hearing issues that sidelined him for a few scary years, and a voice that, understandably, doesn’t always have the sustain and power of earlier days.—
Katherine Turman,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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Stocks have outperformed cash, bonds, and inflation by a wide margin over the long term despite many setbacks, many much scarier than tariffs or recession.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There’s symbolism there—all that tough, hard-to-crack shell hiding a shining pearl—that lends itself well to a tattoo.—
Leah Prinzivalli,
Allure,
28 Apr. 2025
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Employees have a tough time trusting a leader whose actions do not follow their words.—
Mona Andrews,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Public interest in the film intensified after a stroke of terrible happenstance.—
Jelani Cobb,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
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United have fallen massively and it’s been a terrible watch all season, bar a couple of highs.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.—
Keagan Ostop,
CNBC,
18 Apr. 2025
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Biking is smooth and the frame is sturdy, heavy and durable enough to handle rigorous cycling.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formidable. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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