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

Wolfson has used animation, video, virtual reality, sculpture, and terrifying robotic figures to render technology as a form of psychological torture and slapstick comedy.

— Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
For many, the clear skies and beauty of that early autumn morning served as a tragic contrast to the appalling and terrifying events that would unfold.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of terrifying

Adjective

The Menendez brothers, imprisoned 37 years in the gruesome murder of their parents, are getting a second shot at freedom.

— Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Simply to give us the gruesome scene of the kid convulsing to death while leaking blood from his eyes, nose, and mouth.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of gruesome

Adjective

Broadly, the rule of thumb is to drink it during periods of intense competition (to allow for muscle recovery) while avoiding it during periods of training (to promote muscle development).

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Expect Missouri to come out sharper and fired up, as both teams will be for this intense rivalry.

— PJ Green September 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of intense

Adjective

Soldier Field and Wrigley Field will have formidable new competition.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Importantly, such research demonstrated the formidable risk associated with self-criticism for postpartum depression and anxiety, as well as for disruptions in mother-child communication, which might exacerbate postpartum psychopathology.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of formidable

Adjective

For advocates, the law speaks to the horrific circumstances families can endure when a medical issue is misconstrued as abuse.

— Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026
This is your big opportunity to pay tribute, to be a uniter, not a divider, on the day recalling the horrific events of a quarter century ago.

— Ken Frydman, New York Daily News, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of horrific

Adjective

The result should be better performance at the chip's limits, for graphics-intensive apps and games, and for extended multitasking.

— Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026
Researchers can use it to run complex simulations, analyze large datasets, and develop compute-intensive AI applications.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of intensive

Adjective

The subjects bring insightful detail of frightening practices, and the filmmaking helps to underline the thematic commentary of the disconnect between levels of humanity.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
Como are playing some slick football under Cesc Fabregas, and while 21-year-old Nico Paz is still the shining star at the heart of every attack, Baturina has also clicked into a frightening gear.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of frightening

Adjective

Much has been written about the power of artificial intelligence to improve life in myriad ways, but also about its truly horrible effects—now and going forward—if it isn’t managed properly.

— Nadine Hack, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
But the horrible scenes that unfolded before him were incomparable.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of horrible

Browse Nearby Words

frightens

frightful

frightfully

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“Frightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frightful. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of frightful

adjective

Example Sentences

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