HORRIFIES Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

horrifies

verb

present tense third-person singular of horrify

as in frightens

to strike with fear the old black-and-white psychological thriller still horrifies audiences

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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 horrifies Watching how the United States treats detainees horrifies many Canadians, said Julia Sande, an immigration attorney with Amnesty International. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Sunday was another game-long display of why Wembanyama horrifies opponents from either side of the ball. — James Jackson, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for horrifies

Verb

And for members who have a long history, who are used to running on that long history, that frightens them.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Diego Gomez is a stop-gap alternative, but Mitoma remains a key figure who frightens opposing defences with his dribbling speed and influential record in the top flight.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of frightens

Verb

Missile warning startles Dubai Earlier on Friday, a missile warning in the United Arab Emirates caused by a technical glitch underscored the ongoing tensions in the region, following the attack on the cargo vessel and Israeli strikes in Lebanon over the past few days.

— Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
The combination of flashing light and movement startles them.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2026

Definition of startles

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horrifies

horrify

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“Horrifies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horrifies. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of horrifies

verb

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