terrifying

1 of 2

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ How to pronounce terrifying (audio)
ˈte-rə-
Synonyms of terrifyingnext
1
: causing terror or apprehension
2
: of a formidable nature
terrifyingly adverb

terrifying

2 of 2

present participle of terrify

Synonyms of terrifying

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Adjective

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Examples of terrifying in a Sentence

Adjective The thought of dying alone was terrifying. heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
What started as a routine bike ride home turned into a terrifying fight for survival for Katherine Marroquin on Sunday night. — Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 In Carroll Gardens, says Cavallo, a house on Henry Street, between Carroll and President, is so terrifying some kids have to cross the street. — Fiorella Valdesolo, Curbed, 21 Oct. 2026 And our terrifying capacity to dehumanize others only accelerates, at a murderous rate, in a touchless world. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026 Many horror hits are more fascinating or engrossing than terrifying. — David Faris, TheWeek, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrifying

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrifying was circa 1586

Rhymes for terrifying

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Browse Nearby Words

terrify
terrifying
terrigenous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrifying. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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