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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of formidable
The cost of the tariffs is formidable, Sebestyen said — but so is the volatility and unpredictability of the way they’re being imposed.
—
Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Aug. 2025
The defense expects to be formidable, especially with the tenacity and experience of twin brothers Rex and Porter Connors.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025
The bullpen, led by closer Edwin Díaz, looks formidable.
—Will Sammon, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Minnesota Twins – Faced with formidable financial worries, the former home of Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva, Rod Carew, and Jim Kaat spent the deadline dumping salaries.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Aug. 2025
The defense expects to be formidable, especially with the tenacity and experience of twin brothers Rex and Porter Connors.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025
The bullpen, led by closer Edwin Díaz, looks formidable.
—Will Sammon, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Minnesota Twins – Faced with formidable financial worries, the former home of Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva, Rod Carew, and Jim Kaat spent the deadline dumping salaries.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formidable
Adjective
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What to know about the committee’s investigation into Epstein. 'Like a horror movie' Exhausting, terrifying and like something out of a horror movie.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
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These Phillies have faced various forms of adversity in recent years, and none of it rises to this — their ace sidelined by a terrifying blood clot six weeks from the start of another postseason filled with great expectations.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Palace’s recruitment strategy depends on selling players, however difficult such deals are to stomach.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
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The Chamber said the cancellation was a difficult decision but ultimately the best course of action.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Trump’s project has emboldened ICE agents in frightening ways, too.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
23 Aug. 2025
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Her treatment began on May 20, 2024 at Michiana Hematology Oncology in Mishawaka, Indiana, but immediately took a frightening turn.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Taking the most challenging courses available — like AP, IB, honors, or dual enrollment classes — signals preparedness for college-level work.—
Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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Getting the Supreme Court to take this case at all is going to be extremely challenging.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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No one seems to know, and that might be the scariest part.—
Aaron Gleeman,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
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Sophie Cunningham suffered a scary right knee injury that forced her to exit the Indiana Fever’s game against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Unlike Trump, they aren’t charmed by the Kremlin’s tough guy.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
14 Aug. 2025
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Sanctions have roiled Russia's economy and Trump could use tougher measures as leverage over Putin, said Richard Portes, professor of economics at London Business School.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Whether your team is in the middle of a winning run or mired in terrible form, five minutes looking at the standings can convince you that a hundred different futures are possible.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
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While the latter is known for its legendarily terrible English localization, both of these were highly innovative horizontal scrolling shmups for their time.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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While the certification was not specifically a result of litigation, pursuing rigorous, third-party validation of AI practices is increasingly viewed as an industry best practice.—
Marc Blythe,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Every member of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders program has an impressive dance background and went through the same rigorous audition process.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formidable. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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