1
as in terrifying
causing fear
the school's seniors faced the intimidating prospect of the college entrance exams
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of intimidating
Joaquin Ruiz,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
As a designer taking over a venerable house, previews with her were both a bit intimidating but always heartwarming.
—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
25 June 2026
This is still an expensive, advanced camera that might be overkill and somewhat intimidating for new users.
—
Tantse Walter,
Space.com,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intimidating
Adjective
Presumably, those who could afford the intimidating ticket and parking prices at SoFi Stadium considered the experience worthwhile.
—
Joaquin Ruiz,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
As a designer taking over a venerable house, previews with her were both a bit intimidating but always heartwarming.
—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
Verb
Emmy winner Richard Gadd should also land a nomination for his intimidating yet vulnerable work as a violent ex-con on his sophomore effort, Half Man.
—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
25 June 2026
This is still an expensive, advanced camera that might be overkill and somewhat intimidating for new users.
—
Tantse Walter,
Space.com,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intimidating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidating
Adjective
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The full extent of the casualties and damage may not be clear for many hours, but reports and videos show extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure across the country as residents face a terrifying night in the streets.
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Then the assailant turns to face the camera; but inside a hoodie, the face is no face, just a terrifying horror movie mask.
Adjective
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Abraham Lincoln furiously scribbled in Springfield on June 27, 1858, firing off a gruff note to the editor-in-chief of the Chicago Press & Tribune, then in business for only 11 years.
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But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.
Verb
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This legislation helps our state meet current challenges and ensures bullying via AI is addressed in the school code.
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Muslim students continue to report the highest rates of bullying among religious groups in the country.
Adjective
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The hypocrisy is stunning, and frightening.
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Yes, the Scots played poorly, but Brazil’s brilliant roster of attacking talent capitalized on mistakes with frightening efficiency.
Adjective
-
The 2023 arrest of her then-10-year-old cousin for urinating in public brought fierce condemnation.
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For a party that prides itself on diversity, the clashes have exacerbated fierce debates over identity politics and long-standing rifts between progressives and moderates.
Verb
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Suddenly the seller is tiptoeing, managing the buyer's mood, terrified of saying the wrong thing and scaring them off.
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Two earthquakes jolted Venezuela with one-two punch on Wednesday, damaging buildings and scaring people who felt the violent shaking.
Adjective
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The Scottish lawyer was one of the smartest, most formidable specialists in the luxury business, with a reputation that carried internationally and a vast roll call of clients.
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With five volumes of his Noise Kandy series, to solo and collaborative albums (KISS THE RING, Kontraband, Trainspotting), the Griselda affiliate has cemented his status as one of today’s most formidable spitters.
Adjective
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Judges have to throw the book at those arrested to teach them a stern lesson.
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However, for students graduating right now, Hammer can't really summon up anything stern to say.
Cite this Entry
“Intimidating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimidating. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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