terrifying

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

Synonyms of terrifying

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Examples of terrifying in a Sentence

The thought of dying alone was terrifying. heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room
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.
The 11 men who remained spent a terrifying night on board before departing at dawn. — Terry W. Hartle, Christian Science Monitor, 6 July 2026 Fireworks can be especially terrifying for pets (my pittie mix agrees). — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Just like waiting for the release of the bull, the ride vehicle will pause for three seconds before a terrifying 285-foot drop. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 This Spanish-language film is, along with Mad God, one of the few genuinely terrifying entries on this list. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrifying

Word History

First Known Use

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
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Cite this Entry

“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrifying. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on terrifying

Nglish: Translation of terrifying for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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