TERRIFYING Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

terrifying 1 of 2

adjective

ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ

Definition of terrifying

as in frightening

causing fear heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

terrifying

2 of 2

verb

present participle of terrify

as in scaring

to strike with fear the prospect of speaking in front of a huge crowd of people absolutely terrifies me

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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 terrifying

Adjective

The cosmos may be rich creative terrain, but Muse deal with the terrifying, destabilizing fact of the universe’s infinite expanse by simply trying to fill it up. — Liam Inscoe-Jones, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026 Marjane depicts our terrifying teachers, the violent morality police and our collective and perpetual fear that we might be caught, hurt, arrested, killed. — Literary Hub, 29 June 2026

Verb

But across the political divide, the bombings are terrifying for many Iranians, with civilian casualities on the rise. — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026 Starring Kim Hye-yoon and Lee Jong-won, the film follows a road-view camera crew that encounters terrifying supernatural events at a remote reservoir. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrifying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrifying

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

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

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

Adjective

The caps, made from real bear skin, are a distinctive part of the military uniform, designed to make troops appear taller and more intimidating.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 24 June 2026
The one witness everyone in the courtroom remembers was Watkins, an intimidating presence with the build of an NFL defensive tackle.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026

Definition of intimidating

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terrify

terrifying

territories

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

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Synonyms of terrifying

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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