as in to bully
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in terrifying
causing fear
the school's seniors faced the intimidating prospect of the college entrance exams
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 frightening
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of intimidate
Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
Lynchings became a pervasive tactic within the South for intimidating Black men.
—Time, 5 May 2025
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
The question is, will that ‘impact’ be enough to win at Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park, a famously intimidating stadium where the home side are yet to lose in the Europa League this season?
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Mark Cohen, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
Come to find, that spiral horn isn’t merely decorative, but doubles as a gnarly weapon, with which these two larger and far more intimidating-looking unicorns impale their prey.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intimidate
Verb
Cumbersome loan processes that intimidate or confuse business owners.
—Allbusiness, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
Lynchings became a pervasive tactic within the South for intimidating Black men.
—Time, 5 May 2025
Adjective
Charcoal and gas grills can be pretty intimidating to use and aren’t allowed in many apartments, condos and townhomes, making an electric grill the perfect alternative.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025
The question is, will that ‘impact’ be enough to win at Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park, a famously intimidating stadium where the home side are yet to lose in the Europa League this season?
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
Bay Area news outlets have reported dozens of Jewish families transferring their children out of Oakland’s public schools because of the intimidating, antisemitic school environment.
—Mark Cohen, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
Come to find, that spiral horn isn’t merely decorative, but doubles as a gnarly weapon, with which these two larger and far more intimidating-looking unicorns impale their prey.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intimidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidate
Adjective
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The family eventually crosses paths with a corrupt theme-park operator (John Ortiz), his sheriff (Colin Hanks) and a terrifying crime boss (Sharon Stone) before chaos ensues.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
-
As the clip continues, attendees recall the infamous countdown clock that preceded Scott’s performance, before discussing in harrowing detail the terrifying sensation of being caught in the crowd surge.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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The rest of the film takes place in a prison, where Henry’s gruff but philosophical cellmate, Gene (Shia LaBeouf), tries to teach him the ways of the world.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Fimmel digs into the more stereotypical gruff bounty hunter with relish, though the character itself is a western staple.—
Pete Hammond,
Deadline,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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These frightening and repulsive actions represent the most significant breach on our Capitol in over two hundred years.—
Sonam Sheth
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
-
Mellencamp's frightening diagnosis, though, hasn't stopped her resolve.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
The old model of fierce independence is a luxury many can't afford during this transition.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
-
Tehran claims its program is peaceful but has threatened fierce retaliation and a possible withdrawal from the nonproliferation treaty if its nuclear sites are attacked.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
The renowned American sculptor was more accessible at a smaller scale with a formidable presence at TEFAF New York.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2025
-
Hewitt had formidable ammunition in waging his wars.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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The president shared no caption alongside the image, which depicts him sitting with a stern expression and holding up one finger while wearing white and gold papal attire, including a large cross necklace.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
3 May 2025
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However, none will have criminal records after their cases are adjudicated, under a deal the district attorney offered during a stern press conference on Tuesday.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Every celebrity — no matter how small — had at least one stalker or someone obsessed with them, and no fan was creepier or scarier than the ones obsessed with child stars.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
14 May 2025
-
Here’s a scary scenario: You’ve been put in charge of air traffic control at Newark airport near New York.—
Steve Nadis,
Quanta Magazine,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Sitting in on India press conferences can often be a bit grim, carefully orchestrated by the team's hierarchy and little is usually given to their hungry press corps.—
Tristan Lavalette,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
-
India claims to have targeted militant infrastructure, but the reality is grim: at least 26 Pakistani civilians -including women and a young child were reported killed in the strikes.—
Faisal Kutty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Intimidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimidate. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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