frightful

adjective

fright·​ful ˈfrīt-fəl How to pronounce frightful (audio)
Synonyms of frightfulnext
1
: causing intense fear or alarm : terrifying
2
: startling especially in being bad or objectionable
a frightful novel
3
: extreme
frightful thirst
frightfully
ˈfrīt-fə-lē How to pronounce frightful (audio)
adverb
frightfulness noun

Synonyms of frightful

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Examples of frightful in a Sentence

As he fell, he let out a frightful scream. a frightful illness that causes extreme pain The children made a frightful mess of the kitchen. Many critics have expressed shock at the song's frightful lyrics.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
On the front, there might be frightful faces, either side of the belly. — Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026 For a few frightful moments, nothing else mattered for the Flyers. — CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 Their first thought was that perhaps Jeff King had killed the Wellses’ dog, a frightful notion on its own. — Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026 John Tufts The weather outside is about to get frightful as a potentially dangerous winter storm crawls its way across the country. — John Tufts, IndyStar, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frightful

Word History

Etymology

fright entry 1 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of frightful was in 1607

Rhymes for frightful

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Browse Nearby Words

frighten to death
frightful
frightfully
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frightful. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

frightful

adjective
fright·​ful ˈfrīt-fəl How to pronounce frightful (audio)
1
: causing fear or alarm
2
: causing shock or horror
a frightful novel
3
: very strong
a frightful thirst
frightfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce frightful (audio)
adverb
frightfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on frightful

Nglish: Translation of frightful for Spanish Speakers

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