INTIMIDATING Synonyms: 226 Similar and Opposite Words

intimidating 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tiŋ

Definition of intimidating

as in terrifying

causing fear the school's seniors faced the intimidating prospect of the college entrance exams

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gruff

harsh and threatening in manner or appearance an intimidating bodyguard keeping the fans away from the pop star

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 intimidating

Adjective

But in psychologically safe workplaces, feedback is continuous rather than saved for one big intimidating meeting. — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 In either season, white or matching yellow tops will highlight the color without being too intimidating or complicated. — Mayte Salido, Glamour, 27 July 2026

Verb

This process can be intimidating, and some visitors come away feeling disrespected or treated like prisoners themselves. — Jillian Turanovic, The Conversation, 10 Aug. 2026 Its skyline swings from modern towers to centuries-old domes, and for first-time visitors—or anyone short on time—the sheer volume of things to see and do can feel intimidating. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intimidating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidating

Adjective

Video captured recently in Botswana shows the terrifying moment a tourist boat had to outpace a charging hippo.

— Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
The bandages, cuts and stitches were still fresh from the terrifying attack on Jones Street on Wednesday evening.

— Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of terrifying

Adjective

His gruff mechanic Cooter Davenport is introduced as a hell-raising, uncouth wild man, constantly taunting the authorities and flouting convention.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026
Pangan remembers of Brun, imitating his gruff voice, and shaking her head.

— Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

But the ordeal was frightening and bewildering for Cliffel, who still didn't know what had caused her behavior.

— Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
There’s a frightening imbalance in how the mainstream media report on these candidates, which tends to take it pretty easy on the latter.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of frightening

Verb

Be a menace to people in the community, driving his boat 70 to 80 miles per hour, driving around scaring the heck out of people, taking people's lives.

— Lauren Victory, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Notably, the research shows that pumas contribute most to decreased deer-vehicle collisions by scaring their prey, and not killing them, highlights Mark Elbroch, director of the Puma Program for Panthera and also a study co-author.

— Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of scaring

Adjective

Miami entered the game riding a seven-match unbeaten streak in league play and leading MLS with 45 goals, but facing a formidable foe in Nashville.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026
This one stars Cox himself as a mysterious and formidable old man in an undertaker’s suit and parson’s hat who wanders into an Arizona border town in 1890 to gather the names of dead Mexican laborers.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of formidable

Adjective

There, her stern Granny and poised Aunt Helen (Genevieve O’Reilly) are horrified by her lack of refinement and her indifference about finding a respectable husband.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
In addition to a stern, demanding father, the boy is further plagued by a sudden physical instability, requiring an iron body brace that keeps him ramrod-straight.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of stern

Browse Nearby Words

intimidates

intimidating

intimidation

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Intimidating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimidating. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of intimidating

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on intimidating

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

balmy

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Is “GIF” Pronounced “Jiff” or “Giff”?

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes