intimidating 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tiŋ How to pronounce intimidating (audio)
Definition of intimidatingnext
1
as in terrifying
causing fear the school's seniors faced the intimidating prospect of the college entrance exams

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance an intimidating bodyguard keeping the fans away from the pop star

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

intimidating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of intimidate
as in bullying
to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats refusing to be intimidated by the manager's harsh stare, I demanded my money back

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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 intimidating
Adjective
An alarmed individual may coil its body and open its mouth in an attempt to appear more intimidating. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026 The company blends the visual identity of the larger XSR family with modern entry-level components, shrinking the basic ingredients into a package that's easier to ride, cheaper to run, and far less intimidating. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
Central Connecticut State University President Zulma Toro resigned Wednesday following an investigation into a complaint alleging the workplace culture under her leadership was oppressive, bullying and intimidating. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 23 Sep. 2026 Speaking of intimidating travel, the Rams made a bold choice in Week 1 to travel very shortly before the game to Australia and play the 49ers. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intimidating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidating
  1. terrifying
  2. gruff
  3. bullying
  4. frightening
  5. fierce
  6. scaring
  7. formidable
  8. stern
Adjective
  • Fifty years ago, scientists pioneering a terrifying gene-splicing technology figured out a way to collectively hit pause.
    — Nick Fountain, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Don’t worry, the breakdown starts in a hurry and Cardellini is terrifying, if perhaps not as sympathetic as the series requires long-term.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • Over three decades in stand-up comedy, Bill Burr has gained a reputation for saying, with gruff conviction and political fire, the thing on everyone’s mind.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • We were taught by a gruff cockney called Fred Waring, who had participated in the D-Day landings in a regiment that had fought its way across Europe towards Berlin and liberated the concentration camp at Belsen.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of gruff
Verb
  • At least three employees supervised by Perera have filed bullying complaints with DIR’s Office of Equity and Risk.
    — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Concerns over bullying on campus, as well as a lack of security, have also been raised.
    — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of bullying
Adjective
  • Doyle has played all kinds of frightening characters in his five years at Markoff's.
    — Ayesha Rascoe, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The trailer for the movie, which includes a particularly frightening jump scare from Chastain as Other Mommy, went viral online after playing in front of theatrical screenings.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • In the aftermath of City being found guilty of a raft of financial breaches another fierce welcome was expected.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Her fierce survival instincts see her turn the tables on them, transforming their hunt into her own cat-and-mouse game.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of fierce
Verb
  • Halloween Horror Nights are still scaring visitors to Universal Studios Hollywood, but the park is already making holiday plans.
    — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
  • More than anything, this adaptation feels scared of being too unlikable or scaring anyone too much.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of scaring
Adjective
  • Community supporter and legal advocate Over decades in South Florida, Klock earned a reputation as a formidable advocate, a mentor to younger lawyers and a steadfast supporter of the community.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The original recipe was two parts apple brandy to one part each of the liqueurs, giving this cocktail a quotient of sweetness that even its formidable alcohol content can’t quite tame.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • Preliminary information indicates that the explosion occurred near the vessel’s stern deck, resulting in limited damage, a police spokesperson said in a statement.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
  • As the Pacific Princess’ Captain Stubing, Gavin MacLeod played the stern yet beloved authority figure better than many might’ve expected, given how closely he’d become associated with comedy by that point.
    — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of stern

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intimidates
intimidating
intimidation
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Cite this Entry

“Intimidating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimidating. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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