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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hair-raising
The tug of war is also hair-raising because China's approach puts the world's most powerful AI in the hands of bad actors, who could – and likely will – use the models to wreak havoc.
—
Craig S. Smith,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
The Aniya moment alone would have been enough to earn this couplet of episodes five stars, but the recoupling also included a group booing, another hair-raising, furious speech from Melanie, and a moving Brinity reunion.
—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
Still that does not mean the exercise won’t be hair-raising for the crew of Artemis II.
—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
29 Jan. 2026
His own pharmaceutical quest is nothing short of hair-raising.
—
Jerome Groopman,
New Yorker,
11 Aug. 2025
Then into motorboats for hair-raising dashes through tortuous canals and across rough water to dams far back in some vast marsh.
—
Nash Buckingham,
Outdoor Life,
19 June 2025
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
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
Craig S. Smith,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
The Aniya moment alone would have been enough to earn this couplet of episodes five stars, but the recoupling also included a group booing, another hair-raising, furious speech from Melanie, and a moving Brinity reunion.
—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
Still that does not mean the exercise won’t be hair-raising for the crew of Artemis II.
—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
29 Jan. 2026
His own pharmaceutical quest is nothing short of hair-raising.
—
Jerome Groopman,
New Yorker,
11 Aug. 2025
Then into motorboats for hair-raising dashes through tortuous canals and across rough water to dams far back in some vast marsh.
—
Nash Buckingham,
Outdoor Life,
19 June 2025
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hair-raising
Adjective
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That year, the Potomac River turned violent, as intense, heavy rains pushed the water to a terrifying, near-record flood level of 60,000 cubic feet per second.
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Just like waiting for the release of the bull, the ride vehicle will pause for three seconds before a terrifying 285-foot drop.
Adjective
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Set high above the town with breathtaking sea views from all 27 suites and 13 private villas (which are individually staffed), La Réserve offers serenity and discretion—all while being just a few minutes' drive from Pampelonne Beach.
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As Americans reflect on our 250-year history as a sovereign nation, there's no better time to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty the country offers.
Adjective
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Spain are a more understated attacking unit, and there’s a sense that while Lamine Yamal has been excellent, there is another gear for the Barcelona 18-year-old to find, which is fairly frightening for everyone else.
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For millions of individuals and businesses who rely on professional preparers, the answer portends a frightening prospect if the return preparer is dishonest.
Adjective
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The result is a chain of polite, yet simultaneously radical buildings with an exciting contour resembling a mountainous landscape – adding ‘bergen’ in De Bergen!
-
The modern building is an exciting addition to the Fort Worth Cultural District and people are situated in backs around the lobby.
Adjective
-
England faces a formidable challenge against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup knockout round, playing at Estadio Azteca, 7,220 feet above sea level.
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However, there is arguably no matchup currently more daunting than a game against this formidable France side.
Adjective
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And yet fans are still entitled to feel disappointed not to see one of the world’s most thrilling footballers in a game like this.
-
Chronicling the early years of the United States' foray into the Space Race, this thrilling story of innovation and the American spirit takes us straight to the stars.
Adjective
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The Show Has Largely Lost Its Fear Factor The first and second seasons of From were scary.
-
France’s starting lineup is scary and their depth isn’t any less terrifying, and this is without Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike who is currently sidelined through injury.
Adjective
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One interesting trend is that this tournament will feature some very good tight ends, a position that has become increasingly important in college football and the NFL but not so much in high school football in the era of spread offenses.
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But perhaps the most interesting aspect of this news is the potential military applications for this new engine.
Cite this Entry
“Hair-raising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hair-raising. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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