1
as in terrifying
causing fear
a formidable, irascible old man who frightened the neighborhood children
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
running a marathon is a formidable undertaking
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formidable
The Pacers are a team that made it to the Eastern Conference Finals and proved to be a formidable team.
—
Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
This has been a year of unexpected upheaval for the drummers in The Who and Foo Fighters, both of whom were abruptly fired this spring despite — or, perhaps, because of — their formidable talents.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Some cats, of course, are more formidable predators than others.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Tom and Rhyan make a formidable duo on the right side of the line and Jenkins will move to center after spending most of his career at left guard.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
This has been a year of unexpected upheaval for the drummers in The Who and Foo Fighters, both of whom were abruptly fired this spring despite — or, perhaps, because of — their formidable talents.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Some cats, of course, are more formidable predators than others.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Tom and Rhyan make a formidable duo on the right side of the line and Jenkins will move to center after spending most of his career at left guard.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formidable
Adjective
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More: Ukraine drone attack shows familiar-looking drones can be terrifying weapons How does the Pentagon, which spends nearly a trillion dollars a year on defense, have such a vulnerability?—
Tom Vanden Brook,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
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An apocalyptic wasteland ruled by savage bands of outlaws or a horny computer dork's bedroom — which is more terrifying?—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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No matter how sweet, the little crocodile grows bigger and more difficult to care for.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
10 June 2025
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Despite her risky gambit, Metcalfe, who is studying to be an attorney at the University of Law in Manchester, England, admits that her sport has helped her through some of the most difficult times of her life.—
Andy Frye,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
Adjective
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Critics of the administration’s tactics, including former Homeland Security officials, said the White House’s strategy boils down to frightening immigrants into leaving on their own.—
Andrea Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
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The frightening incident unfolded aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas cruise ship on June 8.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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The rise of one of this season’s greatest scene-stealers makes for a challenging conundrum — how far does the apple fall from the tree?—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
3 June 2025
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Predicting how technology will change our relationship with terminology is challenging, but the need for precise scientific language, including the names of species, will never go away.—
Nicholas Green,
The Conversation,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Make that the second scariest, as Claire’s antics bring another menacing character into their lives, when her dealer, Jackie (Domhnall Gleeson), shows up at Echo Valley looking for 10 grand in heroin.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
7 June 2025
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There are many different ways to do that, and most of them are scary.—
Thomas E. Ricks
June 6,
Literary Hub,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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When staring at twin suns like from much greater distances — many light-years away — astronomers have a much tougher time than young Skywalker in determining two stars from one.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
3 June 2025
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Every day, Russia gives new reasons for tougher sanctions and stronger support for our defense.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Kids these days have attention spans crushed under the terrible weight of TikTok and Instgram.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
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Heavy truck traffic has also contributed to terrible pollution in California’s Central Valley.—
Francine Kiefer,
Christian Science Monitor,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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These days, most people delivering your forecasts are scientists with rigorous training in calculus, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, atmospheric physics and the other meteorological coursework.—
Marshall Shepherd,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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The Council for Higher Education Accreditation ensures accrediting agencies uphold rigorous standards.—
Hanna Park,
CNN Money,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formidable. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
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