terrifying 1 of 2

adjective

ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ How to pronounce terrifying (audio)
Definition of terrifyingnext
as in frightening
causing fear heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

terrifying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of terrify
as in scaring
to strike with fear the prospect of speaking in front of a huge crowd of people absolutely terrifies me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
And then there’s the infamous marketing campaign, which was so convincing as to make audiences believe the terrifying events unfolding were authentic recordings. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026 The 11 men who remained spent a terrifying night on board before departing at dawn. — Terry W. Hartle, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026
Verb
Pic was written and directed by horror filmmaker Ian Tuason, and follows the host (Nina Kiri) of a popular paranormal podcast who becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026 But across the political divide, the bombings are terrifying for many Iranians, with civilian casualities on the rise. — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrifying
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrifying
  1. frightening
  2. scaring
  3. scary
  4. startling
  5. formidable
  6. horrible
  7. terrible
  8. intimidating
Adjective
  • Spain are a more understated attacking unit, and there’s a sense that while Lamine Yamal has been excellent, there is another gear for the Barcelona 18-year-old to find, which is fairly frightening for everyone else.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • For millions of individuals and businesses who rely on professional preparers, the answer portends a frightening prospect if the return preparer is dishonest.
    — Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of frightening
Verb
  • Suddenly the seller is tiptoeing, managing the buyer's mood, terrified of saying the wrong thing and scaring them off.
    — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Two earthquakes jolted Venezuela with one-two punch on Wednesday, damaging buildings and scaring people who felt the violent shaking.
    — Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Definition of scaring
Adjective
  • The Show Has Largely Lost Its Fear Factor The first and second seasons of From were scary.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • France’s starting lineup is scary and their depth isn’t any less terrifying, and this is without Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike who is currently sidelined through injury.
    — Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of scary
Verb
  • Some cyclists sped by pretty quickly, startling us and our dog.
    — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Hauge called that startling, given that court filing fees alone cost just as much.
    — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026
Definition of startling
Adjective
  • England faces a formidable challenge against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup knockout round, playing at Estadio Azteca, 7,220 feet above sea level.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • However, there is arguably no matchup currently more daunting than a game against this formidable France side.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • And obviously, slavery was a terrible thing, and that was horrible.
    — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
  • Horton, who married Rickman in 2012 in a private ceremony after more than 40 years together, also told the outlet that the diagnosis had been a horrible shock to them both.
    — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • With all the terrible news of layoffs and that the games industry is in a dire state, some people online have said a crash is the only way to fix things.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • With Te Fiti gone, a terrible darkness began slowly taking hold of the islands and their surrounding waters.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
Definition of terrible
Adjective
  • Having the carpool piece in place makes the new school year feel far less intimidating.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 6 July 2026
  • Features that support transparency can make that transition feel less intimidating.
    — Matthew Kayser Updated July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of intimidating

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Cite this Entry

“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrifying. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of terrifying for Spanish Speakers

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