formidable

adjective

ˈfȯr-mə-də-bəl How to pronounce formidable (audio)
Definition of formidablenext
1
as in terrifying
causing fear a formidable, irascible old man who frightened the neighborhood children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort running a marathon is a formidable undertaking

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of formidable The wise and formidable warlord Murashige Araki (Masahiro Motoki), a former ally of Oda’s, has made the shocking, seemingly suicidal decision to turn against him. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 Its first major task of countering sustained attacks against three formidable foes from three fronts will surely be far more daunting. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 29 July 2026 Jordan features opposite Adria Arjona, who plays a determined insurance investigator and formidable opponent — and his complicated romantic interest. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 Gonzalez and cornerback Carlton Davis form a formidable duo on the outside for the Patriots defense. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for formidable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formidable
  1. terrifying
  2. difficult
  3. frightening
  4. challenging
  5. scary
  6. tough
  7. terrible
  8. rigorous
Adjective
  • Pinnock, in particular, is at his best here, showcasing a diabolical cruelty and terrifying manipulation, elevating the story and the show to a different level.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • Here's a selection of spectacular photos of the July Buck Moon 2026 captured alongside gorgeous natural landscapes, terrifying wildfires and stunning cityscapes from around the world.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • For a long time, we’ve all been told that remastering the older Super Robot Wars games was extremely difficult, due to all the licensing and other costs involved.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • After three difficult years, armed groups loyal to Tehran appear to be bouncing back across the Middle East, reinforcing Iran’s leverage in its war with the US and Israel.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • Rob remembers the first two days in the hospital as frightening and uncertain.
    — Lisa Hughes, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Chris Hemsworth's latest family vacation took a frightening turn when the actor found himself aboard a small plane caught in the middle of a lightning storm.
    — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • Even during a challenging season, Stanek continued to showcase one of baseball's hardest fastballs with a plus slider, splitter and sweeper.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • There’s also 20-year-old Connor Zilisch, who’s had a challenging rookie season but is still one of the most prized young drivers to ever join the Cup Series.
    — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of challenging
Adjective
  • The tragic story of a 17-year-old from Tangier is representative of the plight of many of the more than 800 minors who four days after the collective push by migrants into Ceuta face a scary present and an uncertain future.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • While drooling during sleep can conjure scary thoughts of a health problem, experts say the habit is nothing to worry about — though there are still certain signs to watch for.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of scary
Adjective
  • The city's local Democratic lawmakers claim that the tough-on-crime policies only temporarily reduced crime while troop presence was at its peak.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Lopez and multiple bullpen arms got out of tough jams to limit the Red Sox 16 baserunners across the first nine innings to just two runs, only one earned.
    — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • My scheduler needed no prompting to tell me the system was terrible.
    — Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • During that terrible season, 71% of California Dungeness boats stopped fishing and more than 200 jobs were lost.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of terrible
Adjective
  • Academy leaders have repeatedly told Congress that rigorous scholarship, civilian faculty expertise and exposure to complex questions help prepare officers for the uncertainty of modern warfare.
    — James LaPorta, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • The progress marks the transition from years of design, research, and technology demonstrations to the construction of physical aircraft that will undergo rigorous testing before entering operational service.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026
Definition of rigorous

Browse Nearby Words

formidability
formidable
forming
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Cite this Entry

“Formidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formidable. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of formidable for Spanish Speakers

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