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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

As Smith tried to shield her students inside the school, a terrifying picture was emerging. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 With his top hat, black tails, and giant oversized head, Wake Forest University’s Demon Deacon has been called everything from hilarious to terrifying. — Katie Riley, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2026

Verb

For Thomas, unpacking what went wrong goes well beyond the headless bodies, terrifying phone calls and dead ends. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026 Spotify is terrifying much of the podcast industry with a tiny little widget. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrifying

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrifying

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

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

Bad dreams – like scary stories – work as fire drills for the developing brain.

— Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026
There, shortly after fully participating in a practice as if nothing ever happened, the rookie linebacker recapped the scenes from perhaps the scariest moment of his football career three days prior.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of scary

Adjective

In most versions of the Greek mythology, Medusa is a beautiful woman that was cursed by the goddess Athena with a head of snakes instead of hair and the horrible ability to turn people to stone with just one look.

— Lynsey Eidell, Glamour, 26 Oct. 2026
The battle is between that horrible atmosphere and some of the horrific candidates that have been nominated by the Democratic Party.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of horrible

Adjective

His teams are terrible just before halftime, having been outscored 107-6 in the coach's 24 games.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
If the purpose of buying a suit were merely obtaining clothing, three fittings would be terrible service.

— Anna van Praagh, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrible

Adjective

On their own, the clues in the set are brief and uninformative enough to be a little intimidating.

— Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2026
The Valkyries, meanwhile, have fostered one of the most intimidating home environments at San Francisco’s Chase Center, which the team shares with its sibling NBA franchise, the Golden State Warriors.

— Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrifying

adjective

verb

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