fearsome

adjective

ˈfir-səm How to pronounce fearsome (audio)
Definition of fearsomenext
1
as in formidable
causing fear at night the child would always imagine that there were fearsome monsters lurking under his bed

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect after working all afternoon in the hot sun, I had developed a fearsome thirst

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in timid
easily frightened the more fearsome of the two children would only peer at the guests from a distance

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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 fearsome Long ago, Levi and Vega, children of the fearsome captain of the Sea Dragon, grow up on tales of daring seafaring exploits, but there are stories they haven't been told — stories about witches, mermaids and magical maps. — Sarah Kate Ellis, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026 The Pushing Daisies and Marcella star plays a fearsome and fearless doctor, who along with her second-in-command, registrar Dr Curtis Parker, leads a ragtag group of medical interns on their final chance at Pines Hospital. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 June 2026 When the troubles grew more fearsome following Lexington and Concord in 1775, Trumbull effectively crushed the loyalist movement and spearheaded Connecticut’s role as the Provisions State. — Dr. Matthew Warshauer, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2026 Golden State also has interest in trading for Washington Wizards forward Anthony Davis, according to ESPN, with the dream of creating a fearsome foursome of Curry, James, Davis and Green. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fearsome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fearsome
  1. formidable
  2. intense
  3. timid
  4. terrifying
  5. fierce
  6. scary
  7. frightening
  8. intensive
Adjective
  • England faces a formidable challenge against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup knockout round, playing at Estadio Azteca, 7,220 feet above sea level.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • However, there is arguably no matchup currently more daunting than a game against this formidable France side.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • Indie Shakes managing director David Melville distills his production around scenes of intense conflict.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • As the planet warms, extreme heat events are becoming more common, intense and long-lasting.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Definition of intense
Adjective
  • But where the Baron is timid and bumbling, Krasznahorkai is expansive, charming, and courtly.
    — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026
  • Playing Mary Bennet — Elizabeth’s younger and more timid sister — Bruccoleri set out to portray the coming of age story of a Regency woman.
    — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 25 June 2026
Definition of timid
Adjective
  • That year, the Potomac River turned violent, as intense, heavy rains pushed the water to a terrifying, near-record flood level of 60,000 cubic feet per second.
    — Jasmine Baehr , Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 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
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • The Pride and Angel City have established a fierce rivalry in their short history.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • The Show Has Largely Lost Its Fear Factor The first and second seasons of From were scary.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • France’s starting lineup is scary and their depth isn’t any less terrifying, and this is without Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike who is currently sidelined through injury.
    — Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of scary
Adjective
  • Spain are a more understated attacking unit, and there’s a sense that while Lamine Yamal has been excellent, there is another gear for the Barcelona 18-year-old to find, which is fairly frightening for everyone else.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • For millions of individuals and businesses who rely on professional preparers, the answer portends a frightening prospect if the return preparer is dishonest.
    — Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • The jockeys take on months of intensive training in order to ride in the Ladies’ Race.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
  • On the flip side, semiconductor manufacturing is one of the most complex and energy-intensive industrial processes in the world, with emissions projected to reach 277 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2030.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
Definition of intensive

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Cite this Entry

“Fearsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fearsome. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of fearsome for Spanish Speakers

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