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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formidable
Alongside Vikander and Fassbender, the film boasts a formidable international cast including Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, Hoyeon and Taylor Russell, and marks the rare distinction of Na having every one of his features invited to the Croisette.
—
Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
But deep below, vibrations ripple through the frozen plain, transmitting the movements of Earth’s tectonic plates—and scientists now have a formidable new set of tools to listen in with.
—Vanessa Bates Ramirez, Scientific American, 9 Apr. 2026
Yet Nancy Pelosi, the formidable speaker emerita, has already endorsed McAuliffe.
—Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026
Dubai’s double arsenal is formidable.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
But deep below, vibrations ripple through the frozen plain, transmitting the movements of Earth’s tectonic plates—and scientists now have a formidable new set of tools to listen in with.
—Vanessa Bates Ramirez, Scientific American, 9 Apr. 2026
Yet Nancy Pelosi, the formidable speaker emerita, has already endorsed McAuliffe.
—Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026
Dubai’s double arsenal is formidable.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formidable
Adjective
-
Some of his acts are dangerous or terrifying.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
In 1972, Ann-Margret fell 22 feet from a stage during a performance — a terrifying moment that could have ended her career.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Such claims of penury, however, were difficult to square with certain facts.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Over time, my relationship with my wife has become very difficult.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Adding a deadly shooter to spread the floor around Collier could make a dangerous 3-point shooting scheme even more frightening for Lynx opponents.—
Matthew Coller,
Twin Cities,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Flynn can’t help but wonder if there is a frightening connection between the family’s disappearance and PDQ’s vengeance.—
Sandra Dallas,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Cubs are trying to survive this challenging stretch as they have been decimated by pitching injuries.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
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In kitchens around the country, chefs are translating this novelty into dishes that aren’t too challenging to get behind.—
Jaia Clingham-David,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Preparations Nighttime severe weather can be understandably scary.—
Ahmad Bajjey,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
The two freshman goalies were terrific, with Hicks recovering from a scary collision with Malcom Spence early in the third.—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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There were others like it against Ohtani as well, showing the Mets are still fouling off tough pitches and trying to keep at-bats alive, and some standout defensive plays made as well.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
16 Apr. 2026
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The toughest day belonged to someone who didn't even play.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Not terrible, but far from correct.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
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Matt wasn't so sure, pointing to his record of selling drugs and trafficking weapons, but Foggy argued in favor of giving even someone who has done terrible things a second chance.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Early analyses have begun to link genes to traits such as drought tolerance and temperature adaptation, but researchers say more rigorous work is needed to confirm those links before they can be used to guide restoration.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
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Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors.—
Nicoletta Richardson,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formidable. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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