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 Sony Interactive Entertainment, the largest video game company in the world by direct revenue, will reportedly cease production of physical discs for its formidable library of games for the PlayStation console. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 2 July 2026 England faces a formidable challenge against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup knockout round, playing at Estadio Azteca, 7,220 feet above sea level. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 By banning a cruise ship full of American LGBTQ+ travelers from docking in its country’s ports, Turkish authorities have drawn the wrath of Broadway’s formidable Patti LuPone. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 July 2026 Dayot Upamecano — France/Bayern Munich (position unchanged) Upamecano and Saliba handled the dual threat of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres with relative ease and continue to look the most formidable centre-back pairing in this tournament. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 4 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
  • That year, the Potomac River turned violent, as intense, heavy rains pushed the water to a terrifying, near-record flood level of 60,000 cubic feet per second.
    — Jasmine Baehr , Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Just like waiting for the release of the bull, the ride vehicle will pause for three seconds before a terrifying 285-foot drop.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • Sarah Buck, Chicago Driving has become harder The rapid increase in bike lanes has made driving much more difficult and tedious, with numerous delays due to many streets being reduced to one lane in busy areas.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Republican strategists have welcomed those nominations as an opening for attack in a difficult election year.
    — Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of difficult
Adjective
  • Spain are a more understated attacking unit, and there’s a sense that while Lamine Yamal has been excellent, there is another gear for the Barcelona 18-year-old to find, which is fairly frightening for everyone else.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • For millions of individuals and businesses who rely on professional preparers, the answer portends a frightening prospect if the return preparer is dishonest.
    — Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • This enduring legacy, underscores the lawyer's role as an officer of the court, preserving the rule of law even when challenging authority.
    — Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Educate your family on our country’s history, both good and challenging.
    — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Definition of challenging
Adjective
  • The Show Has Largely Lost Its Fear Factor The first and second seasons of From were scary.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • France’s starting lineup is scary and their depth isn’t any less terrifying, and this is without Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike who is currently sidelined through injury.
    — Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of scary
Adjective
  • MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
    — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of tough
Adjective
  • Thank you to everyone who read or contributed to this column over the years, who reached out to me with story ideas or tips, or complimented my terrible artwork.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Visitors will see his Rough Riders uniform; the 1884 diary grieving his terrible loss; and the eyeglasses case, speech and shirt from the 1912 assassination attempt against him.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of terrible
Adjective
  • Every cybersecurity article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors.
    — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • This improves both customer and agent experience, while still meeting rigorous business standards around accuracy, reliability, and risk management.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 2 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on formidable

Nglish: Translation of formidable for Spanish Speakers

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