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
Outside Online, 11 Feb. 2026
And that’s a little more intimidating and trippy, but all positive.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Zana Cimili, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Unlike ChatGPT, which has a free tier, agentic tools such as Claude Code or OpenAI’s Codex typically cost money, and can be intimidating to set up.
—Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intimidating
Adjective
Her goal of creating a place where female anglers were educated and encouraged in a non-intimidating environment was almost derailed a year later when April was nearly killed by a drunk driver.
—Outside Online, 11 Feb. 2026
And that’s a little more intimidating and trippy, but all positive.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
Thaci also faces a separate trial on charges of intimidating witnesses that will begin later this month.
—Zana Cimili, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Unlike ChatGPT, which has a free tier, agentic tools such as Claude Code or OpenAI’s Codex typically cost money, and can be intimidating to set up.
—Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intimidating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidating
Adjective
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Brandon Flynn Nothing is more terrifying than a late-night host desperate to boost ratings.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
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The former Clemson star has discovered a fondness for poa annua, the strain of grass that get bumpy with spikes and footprints and late afternoon growth, and can be downright terrifying on short par putts when the greens are this fast.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Over the ensuing decades, Duvall had numerous other memorable turns as tough guys, gruff mentors and men seeking redemption.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
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The characters are well developed and unpredictable—perhaps none more so than John Stone, Nasir’s gruff public-defense attorney.—
Stephanie Bai,
The Atlantic,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Apple previously came under fire for bullying claims during her debut at Le Bal des Débutante in December 2024, which has introduced stars like Margaret Qualley, Lily Collins, Ava Philippe, and Lady Kitty Spencer into high society.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
16 Feb. 2026
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Rootselaar transitioned from male to female about six years ago and subsequently dropped out of school two years later, but McDonald said there is no evidence that Rootselaar dropped out due to bullying because of the transition.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Trish Walters of Portland, Oregon, another passenger, recounted the frightening incident on social media.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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As unsettling events ripple through the town, Henry begins to grapple with the frightening possibility that he may be connected to the darkness taking hold.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Born in 1941 to an unwed teenage mother in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson turned heads early with his fierce drive and athletic ability.—
Mark Whitaker,
CBS News,
22 Feb. 2026
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Göransson saw off fierce competition, including Alexandre Desplat, a 13-time nominee and three-time winner of the category; the latter was nominated for his score for Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein.—
Thomas Smith,
Billboard,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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According to Bloomberg, analysts are already antsy about increasing prices scaring away customers, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
5 Feb. 2026
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Most of that money would go to compensate ranchers for cattle eaten by wolves and for guard dogs, scaring devices or other means to keep them away from livestock.—
Lila Seidman,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The Kings believe Hunter and Murray could be a formidable duo at the forward spots, giving the team two long and versatile defenders who can guard multiple positions.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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On to Slovakia The Americans now have a semifinal date with a formidable opponent in Slovakia.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The captain ultimately ordered lifeboats lowered, and the ship went down stern first.—
Anders Hagstrom,
FOXNews.com,
16 Feb. 2026
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Perhaps the solution is as simple as Miss Manners issuing a polite, but stern, PSA or a witty bon mot discouraging this practice.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intimidating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimidating. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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