Synonyms of frightful

frightful

adjective

ˈfrīt-fəl 

1

as in terrifying

causing fear

a frightful sound emanated from somewhere deep within the forest

Synonyms & Similar Words

• terrifying
• formidable
• frightening
• scary
• horrible
• terrible
• intimidating
• dread
• alarming
• fearful
• dreadful
• horrifying
• shocking
• ghastly
• eerie
• startling
• creepy
• direful
• horrendous
• fearsome
• dire
• gruesome
• forbidding
• spine-chilling
• redoubtable
• troubling
• hair-raising
• disturbing
• threatening
• trying
• unnerving
• daunting
• hideous
• discouraging
• disconcerting
• disquieting
• perturbing
• weird
• distressing
• demoralizing
• dismaying
• nightmarish
• grisly
• awful
• appalling
• macabre
• horrid
• monstrous
• bone-chilling
• atrocious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• comforting
• reassuring
• soothing
• relaxing
• calming
• inviting
• tranquilizing
• consoling
• quieting
• nonthreatening
• lulling
• pacifying
• nonintimidating

2

as in gruesome

extremely disturbing or repellent

I couldn't listen to the frightful details of the murder trial

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gruesome
• horrific
• horrible
• terrible
• shocking
• nightmare
• frightening
• terrific
• dreadful
• horrifying
• terrifying
• awful
• hideous
• scary
• nightmarish
• grisly
• ghastly
• appalling
• horrid
• macabre
• monstrous
• horrendous
• sickening
• atrocious
• lurid
• disgusting
• fearful
• alarming
• dire
• direful
• formidable
• ugly
• loathsome
• obscene
• grotesque
• fearsome
• disagreeable
• abominable
• unspeakable
• repulsive
• revolting
• odious
• offensive
• heinous
• evil
• deplorable
• forbidding
• repugnant
• intimidating
• obnoxious
• abhorrent
• bloodcurdling
• redoubtable
• vile
• gut-wrenching
• hair-raising
• distasteful
• noxious
• noisome
• heart-stopping
• unsightly
• nauseating
• foul

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• pleasant
• delightful
• attractive
• delicious
• welcome
• agreeable
• enjoyable
• pleasurable
• satisfying
• delectable
• appealing
• pleasing
• enticing
• inviting
• comforting
• soothing
• cheering

3

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect

flew into a frightful fit of rage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intense
• intensive
• terrible
• fierce
• ferocious
• deep
• furious
• violent
• dreadful
• heavy
• profound
• ghastly
• vicious
• fearful
• acute
• fearsome
• explosive
• exquisite
• excruciating
• blistering
• vehement
• hard
• hellacious
• keen
• heavy-duty
• almighty
• intensified
• harsh
• aggravated
• severe
• heightened
• magnified
• concentrated
• enhanced
• exhaustive
• stressed
• thorough
• deepened
• accentuated
• rigorous
• emphasized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• light
• moderate
• feeble
• soft
• weak
• superficial
• shallow
• eased
• qualified
• decreased
• moderated
• subdued
• toned (down)
• diminished
• reduced
• lightened
• lessened
• abated
• alleviated

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of frightful

Their first thought was that perhaps Jeff King had killed the Wellses’ dog, a frightful notion on its own. — Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026

On the front, there might be frightful faces, either side of the belly. — Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026

John Tufts The weather outside is about to get frightful as a potentially dangerous winter storm crawls its way across the country. — John Tufts, IndyStar, 23 Jan. 2026

Each envelope containing the clue was inside a box filled with some frightful creature — rats, snakes, a tarantula, millipedes, and cockroaches. — Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Jan. 2026