FRIGHTFUL Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

frightful

adjective

ˈfrīt-fəl

Definition of frightful

as in terrifying

causing fear a frightful sound emanated from somewhere deep within the forest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gruesome

extremely disturbing or repellent I couldn't listen to the frightful details of the murder trial

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect flew into a frightful fit of rage

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 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 See All Example Sentences for frightful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frightful

Adjective

Even so, returning to college was terrifying after ongoing health crises led to academic failure.

— Alexis Lariviere, Washington Post, 29 Sep. 2026
The lycanthropy saga, set in an English village in the 13th century, stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as a man who undergoes terrifying transformations into a werewolf each full moon.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of terrifying

Adjective

The gruesome 2023 murder of Choi, who rubbed shoulders with showbiz elites at fashion events and had a significant following online, sent shockwaves through the wealthy financial hub and made global headlines.

— Chris Lau, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
High-scoring winger Kevin Fiala, meanwhile, will miss the first couple of months, at least, after experiencing a setback in his return from a gruesome leg injury sustained at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.

— Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of gruesome

Adjective

The coalition led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's Socialists announced the new measures earlier Tuesday, after four days of intense protests centered around an encampment in Puerta del Sol, Madrid's most iconic plaza.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
Consequently, the resulting economic stimulus, inflationary pressure, and intense competition for capital could propel the 10 year US Treasury yield toward a high of 6% before next January.

— , CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of intense

Adjective

Guests lingered over cocktails, lauding Ghesquière’s formidable creative prowess, personal warmth and loyalty.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2026
Let a Hundred Websites Bloom The Internet and the smartphone have become formidable tools for the Chinese government to maintain tight control over society.

— Conor Heffernan, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of formidable

Adjective

He will be punished, defense says Facing the jury, Brenner said they will be exposed to horrific photographs that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
In truly horrific news, a Frankfort mom is accused of killing her 2-year-old son after allegedly following the trial of Lindsay Clancy with great interest.

— Hilary Gowins, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of horrific

Adjective

At research-intensive institutions, critical knowledge is often distributed across specialized offices, sponsor websites, internal guidance, prior submissions and experienced staff.

— Mayank Kejriwal, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Removing the thermal drying stage could also make electrode manufacturing less capital- and energy-intensive.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of intensive

Adjective

Josh, much of the social media conversation around people seeing The Odyssey in theaters was about the frightening Other Mommy trailer playing ahead of it.

— Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
My Broken Brain follows three young survivors through the most frightening days of their lives and the grueling journey back to independence.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of frightening

Adjective

Hill is a free agent after a horrible injury suffered last season.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
Ashley Flynn’s sister, Kayla Keyt, said during her victim statement that her family could not overcome their sense of shock and despair after learning that Flynn betrayed them in such a violent and horrible way.

— Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of horrible

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frightens

frightful

frightfully

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“Frightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frightful. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of frightful

adjective

Example Sentences

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