intimidating 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tiŋ How to pronounce intimidating (audio)
Definition of intimidatingnext
1
as in terrifying
causing fear the school's seniors faced the intimidating prospect of the college entrance exams

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance an intimidating bodyguard keeping the fans away from the pop star

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

intimidating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of intimidate
as in bullying
to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats refusing to be intimidated by the manager's harsh stare, I demanded my money back

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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 intimidating
Adjective
At the peak of the Knights’ best run in program history in the late 2010s, the Acrisure Bounce House became one of the most intimidating stadiums to play in, especially at night. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026 Kane and colleagues found that possessing an intimidating size wouldn't guarantee a Venusian moon's survival, either. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
In the books, Xaden is described as a large, dominating wing leader with dark, intimidating features who is highly revered by the rest of the Basgiath War College. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 It’s long been intimidating for immigrants who suffered abuse to call 911, regardless of who was in the White House. — Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intimidating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidating
  1. terrifying
  2. gruff
  3. bullying
  4. frightening
  5. fierce
  6. scaring
  7. formidable
  8. stern
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
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • Defying the old-school stereotype of the hard-nosed, gruff newspaper boss, Vaughn often mentored young reporters in a serious but friendly and encouraging manner.
    — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Over three decades in stand-up comedy, Bill Burr has gained a reputation for saying, with gruff conviction and political fire, the thing on everyone’s mind.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of gruff
Verb
  • As recess is one of the most active places for bullying to take place, Rhea wanted to counteract that trend.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Washington should project vision and leadership to its friends, not jarring uncertainty and bullying transactionalism.
    — Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of bullying
Adjective
  • As the frightening phantom of Frank the Bunny warns, this parallel reality has a ticking clock that’ll result in its imminent collapse in just 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • For neighbors, the crash brought a frightening interruption to an otherwise routine afternoon.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • Projects that communities had originally welcomed were suddenly met with fierce opposition, and companies had to improve.
    — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • What is to come afterwards is when their world is on fire as the fierce Battle Of Okinawa Island takes them , and us, back to sad reality.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of fierce
Verb
  • Together the duo enjoy scaring themselves into a teeth-chattering but delightful evening.
    — Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Universal announced that Nikki, the character Navarrette plays in Obsession was going to roam all of Horror Nights, scaring people and taking photos like Art the Clown, Dracula, and the Weeknd in years past.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of scaring
Adjective
  • Wildwood is a dark tale, with whispers of a witch, set against the beautiful yet formidable backdrop of rural New England.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • American power was formidable but trust in America was priceless.
    — Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • Stuttgart has won both of its games but Atletico Madrid will be sterner opposition for the German team.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Below is Jordan — bearded, stern, and wearing a leather jacket — as Det.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of stern

Browse Nearby Words

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intimidating
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Cite this Entry

“Intimidating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimidating. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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