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
These wordless vocalizations that feel both sacred and profane, beautiful and terrifying. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026 And having one of those is as strange and terrifying as anything else in the universe. — Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
Though privacy concerns around these agents’ access may be terrifying in their own right, for now the utopian vision seems to be winning. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026 Still, Douglas is unflinching in the book about how physically abusive and terrifying his dad was to him and his brother. — Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 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
  • The frightening part is that almost anyone can end up on the wrong side of these systems.
    — Edward Longe, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Sussman remembers the 1999 Glastonbury Festival as both frightening and unforgettable.
    — Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of frightening
Verb
  • These countries are highly vulnerable to climate change, which is likely scaring some companies away.
    — Jonas Gamso, The Conversation, 12 Nov. 2026
  • His campaign strategy in the days before the election seemed to rely on scaring the Israeli public into voting for him.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of scaring
Adjective
  • Tariq revealed that the film was inspired by a scary incident experienced by his wife soon after giving birth to their son.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2026
  • But what's scary for the rest of the league is that the team played pretty well without him.
    — Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 14 Nov. 2026
Definition of scary
Verb
  • One of my co-workers tends to blast through this door at top speed, often startling a person reaching for the handle on the other side.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
  • As if triggered by this thought, the door buzzed itself open, startling the pigeons from wire to wing, a grand scattering.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of startling
Adjective
  • Their pass defense is specifically interesting, allowing over 227 passing yards per game, even while boasting one of the most talented and formidable defensive backfields in the game.
    — Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The formidable organization of Seminole County Democrats (aka the SemDems) was clearly a factor there.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • Their monthlong travel by ship was under horrible conditions.
    — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
  • While the fire was horrible, Hong said some blessings have emerged from the tragedy.
    — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of horrible
Adjective
  • The bat lay on its back, soggy and wretched, here in the waning hours of this terrible day.
    — Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
  • An ugly fight between teammates during training camp was a terrible start to a season that officially began with a loss against North Carolina, a game in Dublin that TCU essentially sold, against the desires of Dykes.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of terrible
Adjective
  • The goal is to make car maintenance less intimidating and give people the confidence to recognize what their vehicles need in a safe space.
    — Beret Leone, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Mix the unique transmission with that generation Vantage’s most intimidating looks, and you’re left with a car overflowing with bravado.
    — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of intimidating

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terrifying
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Cite this Entry

“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrifying. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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