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
Yet in many cases, the concentrations of chemical biomarkers can be too low to detect reliably in early stages of a disease, which makes the engineering challenge formidable.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026
Khamenei reiterated Iran’s position that its formidable missile stockpile is nonnegotiable and that their type and range have nothing to do with the United States.
—Max Burman, NBC news, 17 Feb. 2026
Ascribing the name Morès to the garden was not just a matter of access to the space with a seal of formality—and about honoring the widow’s formidable husband.
—Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
Would Watanabe call this the most formidable challenge of his career?
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formidable
IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026
Khamenei reiterated Iran’s position that its formidable missile stockpile is nonnegotiable and that their type and range have nothing to do with the United States.
—Max Burman, NBC news, 17 Feb. 2026
Ascribing the name Morès to the garden was not just a matter of access to the space with a seal of formality—and about honoring the widow’s formidable husband.
—Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
Would Watanabe call this the most formidable challenge of his career?
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formidable
Adjective
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Even the more terrifying creatures, like rattlesnakes and scorpions, have their own undeniable, deadly beauty.—
Becky Bartkowski,
AZCentral.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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The story that introduced millions of streaming viewers to the Crain family and their terrifying home is getting a brand-new life — this time, on stage.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The voracious reader said that the best books, those that brought him happiness, were not the ones that ease our way in this strange and difficult world.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
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Local farmers work long hours, often under difficult conditions, to ensure our food supply remains steady.—
Joe Dymek,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Trish Walters of Portland, Oregon, another passenger, recounted the frightening incident on social media.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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As unsettling events ripple through the town, Henry begins to grapple with the frightening possibility that he may be connected to the darkness taking hold.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Dorm’s New ‘Frenemy’ Their quest will be all the more challenging when a new friend (or foe) appears in the dorm.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
18 Feb. 2026
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Schedule time with a challenging book, as fresh ideas can soothe moods and moderate your protective instincts.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That was such a terrible shock and really upsetting, horrifying, and scary.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Feb. 2026
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There’s such a faithful sense of tone to the book, which is uncanny and scary.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Takaichi has proposed tougher policies on immigration and foreigners, something that resonates with a growing frustration in Japan.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Bryant was tough to stop and scored nine of her 23 points in the first quarter.—
Justin Vigil Zuniga,
Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The question was about the student section’s harassment of former Spartan Xavier Booker, which seemed like a legitimate query considering Booker had a terrible game.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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The move was expected because Hill, who played for the Chiefs from 2016-‘21 before being traded to the Dolphins, is recovering from a terrible knee injury.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Steele learned early how to manage time with precision, often creating music during the narrow windows left between rigorous academic commitments.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
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Regarding the involvement of former CEOs in institutional decision-making, Molinaroli notes that their practical insights could be tapped more frequently through diverse councils, clear mandates, and rigorous conflict-of-interest safeguards to prevent undue influence.—
Nia Bowers,
Ascend Agency,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formidable. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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