1
as in formidable
causing fear
at night the child would always imagine that there were fearsome monsters lurking under his bed
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
after working all afternoon in the hot sun, I had developed a fearsome thirst
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3
as in timid
easily frightened
the more fearsome of the two children would only peer at the guests from a distance
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fearsome
Those two form the most fearsome defensive frontcourt in the WNBA and have established Minnesota’s identity.
—
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
Known as a kaiju (monster) in Japan, and King of the Monsters in the United States, Godzilla’s fearsome roar and atomic breath is a child’s nightmare come to life.
—Michael Taube, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
And then there’s Morton, who entered the game against the ChiSox sitting at 199 – nine more than fearsome lefty Randy Johnson, 13 more than crafty knuckleballer Tim Wakefield and 29 more than award namesake Cy Young – thanks to four HBPs as a Tiger.
—Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
That gives the wearer a look akin to the shark's infamously fearsome dorsal fin, along with plenty of extra thrust and speed.
—New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearsome
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025
Known as a kaiju (monster) in Japan, and King of the Monsters in the United States, Godzilla’s fearsome roar and atomic breath is a child’s nightmare come to life.
—Michael Taube, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
And then there’s Morton, who entered the game against the ChiSox sitting at 199 – nine more than fearsome lefty Randy Johnson, 13 more than crafty knuckleballer Tim Wakefield and 29 more than award namesake Cy Young – thanks to four HBPs as a Tiger.
—Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 8 Sep. 2025
That gives the wearer a look akin to the shark's infamously fearsome dorsal fin, along with plenty of extra thrust and speed.
—New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearsome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fearsome
Adjective
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Rip currents are formidable natural forces, but knowing how to react can significantly increase your chances of safely navigating these challenging waters.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Oct. 2025
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With the Eagles’ offensive line not as formidable as last season, Barkley was back to his feast or famine style.—
Dan Duggan,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 Oct. 2025
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The modern understanding of the Ring of Fire emerged with the theory of plate tectonics in the 1960s, which explained the region’s intense seismic and volcanic activity as the result of shifting tectonic plates.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In the bit, Rihanna and Ronnie (Andy Samberg) are dropping knowledge to a group of grade schoolers with the singer crooning in her power range as timid Ronnie can barely rise above a whisper to her utter consternation.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
14 Oct. 2025
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Finally, the Gators’ timid portal strategy is deliberate, not an unwillingness to adapt.—
Matt Baker,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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There was also the terrifying clip, captured in August 2021, showcasing when a bull moose charged at a bystander.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
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The drop was vertiginous and terrifying, but Young sidled right up to the edge.—
Eren Orbey,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Israel then launched its war on the strip, which has been devastated by fierce bombardment and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ground operations.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
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Plenty of companies offer fully remote work, Frana says, but competition can be fierce for those roles.—
Sophie Caldwell,
CNBC,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Keontez Lewis left Saturday’s game against Kent State early after suffering a scary injury while attempting to make a catch.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
8 Oct. 2025
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Does your child find Halloween super scary?—
Ellen Sturm Niz,
Parents,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Add them to movie-night snacks, candy bowls, or trick-or-treat bags for a fun, not-too-frightening addition to your Halloween spread.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Oct. 2025
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The sight of armed soldiers outfitted for war on city streets strikes many Americans as a frightening escalation from a President seemingly bent on punishing those who oppose him.—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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There is a downside to such intensive planting, though.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
13 Oct. 2025
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Tuesday was filled with intensive coaching and mentorship sessions with Walmart and Sam's Club merchants, sourcing experts and past Open Call alumni about scaling up production, improving packaging, and strengthening their financial and operational readiness.—
Serenah McKay,
Arkansas Online,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fearsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fearsome. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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