terrifying 1 of 2

terrifying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of terrify

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 terrifying
Adjective
For different reasons, both of these shows are terrifying! Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025 Released against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the terrifying existential statement Romero was making properly snaps into focus through the performance of Duane Jones. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
The tonal whiplash you experience at that point, the sense that Barbarian can be genuinely terrifying one moment and weirdly funny the next, is what transformed the film into a cult hit. Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 For the rest of the country, local governments would be better off slashing the personal income tax rates that are terrifying voters into fleeing for red state residences. Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terrifying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrifying
Adjective
  • What began as a hiking trip with friends on the breathtaking slopes of on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest turned into a frightening ordeal for 30-year-old Feng Holiday, after a rare October blizzard left her and hundreds of hikers stranded in treacherous conditions.
    Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the movie's kinetic animation and Ichabod's rubbery physicality playfully contrast with the truly frightening Horseman and his flaming pumpkin.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The modus operandi generally involved either scaring a convenience store owner and fleeing with thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes, like one such incident at a 7-Eleven in Walnut Creek where masked men stole $8,000 in tobacco products, authorities said.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • During today’s announcement, Kennedy at least acknowledged the trade-offs inherent in scaring pregnant Americans off Tylenol, and allowed that, sometimes, using it is unavoidable.
    Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While some corn mazes are perfect for all ages and include activities especially for younger kids, others are more grown-up and may prove too scary or challenging for little ones.
    Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The new generation can’t afford to stay in the game, which is scary.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In a follow-up video, the owner revealed a gentle method for waking the puppy without startling her.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • If the past offers any guide, however, Havana will instead continue to rely on its formidable security apparatus to repress is citizens, while privatizing in ways that do not threaten the power and privileges of the elite.
    Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The West will be formidable, as multiple teams could make their mark this season.
    Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While that might be great for the profitability in real estate, in consumer goods and apparel, that’s horrible.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 6 Oct. 2025
  • In the past, the Soviet Union had a horrible impact on Georgian wine.
    Jessica Jungbauer, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That's a terrible average to bet your life on.
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • When his estranged daughter Sam tracks him down, in a last-ditch effort to dig her way out of serious trouble, Mickey must choose between rekindling his relationship with his daughter in the face of a terrible tragedy or pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Being less direct and formal can help prevent your kid putting a wall up — as can chatting during car rides since not being face-to-face can feel less intimidating for them.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
  • The San Francisco 49ers began the year with one of the more intimidating defensive fronts in the NFL.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrifying. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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