terrifying

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ How to pronounce terrifying (audio)
ˈte-rə-
Synonyms of terrifyingnext
1
: causing terror or apprehension
2
: of a formidable nature
terrifyingly adverb

Synonyms of terrifying

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Examples of terrifying in a Sentence

The thought of dying alone was terrifying. heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Based on that lore and the ending of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, the story appears to be building toward Afton’s return as Springtrap, the terrifying primary antagonist of the third game. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 From Lexington, he is sent to his most terrifying prison yet, known as Bloody Beaumont, where COVID-19 adds another layer of threat. — Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 Absolutely beautiful, absolutely terrifying and absolutely funny. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Aug. 2026 The terrifying news cycle prompted me to open Instagram on a recent evening. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrifying

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrifying was circa 1586

Rhymes for terrifying

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Browse Nearby Words

terrify
terrifying
terrigenous
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Cite this Entry

“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrifying. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on terrifying

Nglish: Translation of terrifying for Spanish Speakers

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