1
as in terrifying
causing fear
hair-raising stories of headless corpses and disembodied screams
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in breathtaking
causing great emotional or mental stimulation
a theme park that is legendary for its lightning-fast roller-coaster and other hair-raising rides
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of hair-raising
The term hair-raising takes on new meaning as two performers contort their bodies high above the stage, connected only by their coiffures.
—
Karen D'souza, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
Led by vocalist Christina Michelle’s hair-raising screams, Deep Sage mangles everything in its path with thick basslines and switchblade guitars until the floor is bloodied but the air, at long last, is cleansed.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024
Oh, there are plenty of opportunity for that: Feliz says the season only gets more hair-raising from here.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2024
The reason this seems hair-raising is that most generative AI is devised to wait for the human to initiate a conversation.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024
Among them were experienced mountaineers accustomed to steep terrain where any fall could be fatal, and casual hikers who had never before attempted to climb anything as hair-raising.
—Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2024
The players’ recounted exploits are at once hair-raising, nostalgic and moving.
—Drew Goins, Washington Post, 31 July 2024
Formula 1: On and Off the Track Still a Thrill: Monaco’s narrow track hinders overtaking, but, oh boy, do those tight roads make qualifying hair-raising.
—Ian Parkes, New York Times, 23 May 2024
The going was beautiful but slow and a little hair-raising as day turned to night.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024
Karen D'souza, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025
Led by vocalist Christina Michelle’s hair-raising screams, Deep Sage mangles everything in its path with thick basslines and switchblade guitars until the floor is bloodied but the air, at long last, is cleansed.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024
Oh, there are plenty of opportunity for that: Feliz says the season only gets more hair-raising from here.
—Lynette Rice, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2024
The reason this seems hair-raising is that most generative AI is devised to wait for the human to initiate a conversation.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024
Among them were experienced mountaineers accustomed to steep terrain where any fall could be fatal, and casual hikers who had never before attempted to climb anything as hair-raising.
—Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2024
The players’ recounted exploits are at once hair-raising, nostalgic and moving.
—Drew Goins, Washington Post, 31 July 2024
Formula 1: On and Off the Track Still a Thrill: Monaco’s narrow track hinders overtaking, but, oh boy, do those tight roads make qualifying hair-raising.
—Ian Parkes, New York Times, 23 May 2024
The going was beautiful but slow and a little hair-raising as day turned to night.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hair-raising
Adjective
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To cut yourself off from people is to lose your connection and way in a glorious, terrifying world.—
Mary Frances Ruskell,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
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Audio and video deepfakes created with generative AI tools add a new, terrifying wrinkle to scam spotting.—
Kim Key,
PC Magazine,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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His goal was breathtaking — a sinuous run and then a shot that was not just beautifully placed but executed in a way (taken early, minimal backlift) that left Yann Sommer, the Inter goalkeeper, rooted.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
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From the fashion in Milan to the breathtaking scenes in Positano on the Amalfi Coast or the iconic gondola rides in Venice, the country promises and delivers the sweet life at every stop.—
Brittany Vickers,
Essence,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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After the frightening threat, the man suddenly ran off in an unknown direction.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2025
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Serena Joy Waterford is among the most frightening, dead-hearted women ever written for the small screen.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Not every City fan has been on board with their recent approach by any means, particularly because the performances have hardly been too exciting or especially accomplished.—
Sam Lee,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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Green and Montez Sweat would form an exciting pass-rush duo. 40.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There are formidable breakfast burritos to be devoured all over Greater Los Angeles and Orange County.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
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Mike has fostered a collaborative environment with a team committed to building a formidable global business – innovating and trailblazing at every level.—
Billboard Staff,
Billboard,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Olivia Erwin Interiors takes on the thrilling restoration of a 1859 Garden District gem Photography by Christian HarderStyled by Katja Greeff May 2, 2025 All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors.—
Laura May Todd,
Architectural Digest,
2 May 2025
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With 43 points, nine rebounds and six assists in his team's thrilling 116-113 win, Edwards continued a massive postseason to date.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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So their arrival in the world of the New Avengers may be a harbinger of scary things to come.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
2 May 2025
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With stealth mechanics now in the mix, Metroid Dread doubled down on the scarier bits of Metroid Fusion to create gameplay sections where deadly EMMI robots have to be avoided, at least until Samus regains her strength (big shock).—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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They were chosen for their affinity with sneaker culture, their interesting stories and their distinct personal style, Coach said.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
23 Apr. 2025
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Solid Color Rug This goes-with-everything rug is sure to match your existing decor, while adding a visually interesting pop of texture to any room.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hair-raising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hair-raising. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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