TERRIFYING Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

terrifying 1 of 2

adjective

ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ

Definition of terrifying

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

For many, the clear skies and beauty of that early autumn morning served as a tragic contrast to the appalling and terrifying events that would unfold. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026 As Katia Schörle, one of the experts featured in the film, explains, wild animals embodied a world that was both magnificent and terrifying. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026

Verb

These get forwarded across the internet, and soon masses of young people are surging into an urban plaza or park, often terrifying any adult who happens to be nearby. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon is breathtaking and also terrifying with a 4-year-old along. — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrifying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrifying

Adjective

The subjects bring insightful detail of frightening practices, and the filmmaking helps to underline the thematic commentary of the disconnect between levels of humanity.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
Como are playing some slick football under Cesc Fabregas, and while 21-year-old Nico Paz is still the shining star at the heart of every attack, Baturina has also clicked into a frightening gear.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of frightening

Verb

Since reintroducing Mexican wolves in 1998, the Fish and Wildlife Service has employed some programs to help manage livestock-wolf conflict, like using range-riders to monitor and deter wolves and scaring them off using non-lethal methods.

— Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Few griz/hunter interactions ever move beyond the scaring stage.

— Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of scaring

Adjective

The clubhouse was somewhat somber Friday afternoon, with players still feeling shaken up after witnessing one of the scariest collisions many had ever seen on a baseball field.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026
In Mexico, Yamel’s mother tells scary folktales to caution her against real-life dangers.

— Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of scary

Verb

The unpredictable motion scares them off, startling them and throwing them off balance.

— Molly Burford, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2026
Last week, an F/A-18 Super Hornet from the Blue Angels, the Navy’s flight-demonstration team, zoomed dangerously low along the Florida coast, stirring up sand and umbrellas, startling some beachgoers—and, it must be said, delighting many others.

— Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026

Definition of startling

Adjective

Soldier Field and Wrigley Field will have formidable new competition.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Importantly, such research demonstrated the formidable risk associated with self-criticism for postpartum depression and anxiety, as well as for disruptions in mother-child communication, which might exacerbate postpartum psychopathology.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of formidable

Adjective

Much has been written about the power of artificial intelligence to improve life in myriad ways, but also about its truly horrible effects—now and going forward—if it isn’t managed properly.

— Nadine Hack, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026
But the horrible scenes that unfolded before him were incomparable.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of horrible

Adjective

Kane and colleagues found that possessing an intimidating size wouldn't guarantee a Venusian moon's survival, either.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2026
An alarmed individual may coil its body and open its mouth in an attempt to appear more intimidating.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of intimidating

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terrify

terrifying

territories

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“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrifying. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrifying

adjective

verb

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