FRIGHTENING Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

frightening 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfrī-tᵊn-iŋ

Definition of frightening

as in terrifying

causing fear a truly frightening movie

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

frightening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of frighten

as in scaring

to strike with fear around the campfire the campers tried to frighten one another with ghostly legends and grisly tales

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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 frightening

Adjective

Yes, the Scots played poorly, but Brazil’s brilliant roster of attacking talent capitalized on mistakes with frightening efficiency. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 29 June 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

Verb

Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out. — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 June 2026 Instances of swatting have been plaguing the nation for years, with fake shooting threats frightening the public and forcing schools, hospitals, grocery stores, office buildings, and airports into temporary lockdowns. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frightening

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frightening

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

Verb

Suddenly the seller is tiptoeing, managing the buyer's mood, terrified of saying the wrong thing and scaring them off.

— Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Two earthquakes jolted Venezuela with one-two punch on Wednesday, damaging buildings and scaring people who felt the violent shaking.

— Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026

Definition of scaring

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

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

Verb

The payments were introduced following a 2024 assassination attempt on Fico, who was shot and gravely wounded after a government meeting, shocking the small country and reverberating across Europe.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
Cape Verde, the ultimate underdog, went toe-to-toe with a primary contender, shocking the soccer world with a 0-0 draw against Spain.

— Amna Subhan, AJC.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of shocking

Adjective

And obviously, slavery was a terrible thing, and that was horrible.

— Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Horton, who married Rickman in 2012 in a private ceremony after more than 40 years together, also told the outlet that the diagnosis had been a horrible shock to them both.

— Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

Definition of horrible

Adjective

Thank you to everyone who read or contributed to this column over the years, who reached out to me with story ideas or tips, or complimented my terrible artwork.

— Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Visitors will see his Rough Riders uniform; the 1884 diary grieving his terrible loss; and the eyeglasses case, speech and shirt from the 1912 assassination attempt against him.

— CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of terrible

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“Frightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frightening. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of frightening

adjective

verb

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