1
as in terrifying
causing fear
a formidable, irascible old man who frightened the neighborhood children
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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
This, needless to say, was a formidable challenge.
—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
That spring Ossoff handily won the Democratic primary and then faced a formidable challenger from the Republican Party, former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel.
—Literary Hub, 9 Feb. 2026
Ezra Ausar and Jacob Cofie are physically formidable, while Chad Baker-Mazara and Alijah Arenas are wings who can create shots and – most of the time – sink them.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 8 Feb. 2026
His decision closed the door on a rematch that many political observers viewed as one of the most formidable challenges to the incumbent.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
That spring Ossoff handily won the Democratic primary and then faced a formidable challenger from the Republican Party, former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel.
—Literary Hub, 9 Feb. 2026
Ezra Ausar and Jacob Cofie are physically formidable, while Chad Baker-Mazara and Alijah Arenas are wings who can create shots and – most of the time – sink them.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 8 Feb. 2026
His decision closed the door on a rematch that many political observers viewed as one of the most formidable challenges to the incumbent.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 7 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
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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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These athletes spend their lives focusing on building physical strength through rigorous training and diets that are honed to provide the nutrients necessary to excel at their sport.—
Emily Hemendinger,
The Conversation,
13 Feb. 2026
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Every mortgage article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of financial products.—
Kelsey Neubauer,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Formidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formidable. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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