frightening
adjective
fright·en·ing
ˈfrī-tᵊn-iŋ 
ˈfrīt-niŋ
: causing fear
frightening news
a very frightening experience
The man with red eyes made the frightening grimace that passed for his smile.—
Madeleine L'Engle
Madeleine L'EngleFor a man who had tussled with crocs, venomous snakes and other frightening creatures, this was going to be a leisurely swim.—Jennifer Wulff et al.
Jennifer Wulff et al.Examples of frightening in a Sentence
a truly frightening movie
Recent Examples on the Web
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
The hypocrisy is stunning, and frightening.
—
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
29 June 2026
Yes, the Scots played poorly, but Brazil’s brilliant roster of attacking talent capitalized on mistakes with frightening efficiency.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
29 June 2026
Both are referential, packed with Lynchian flourishes and Stephen King Easter eggs, but at the same time like nothing else onscreen, a combination of slapstick humor and genuinely frightening jump scares that feels all its own.
—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for frightening
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Virginia La Torre Jeker,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
The hypocrisy is stunning, and frightening.
—
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
29 June 2026
Yes, the Scots played poorly, but Brazil’s brilliant roster of attacking talent capitalized on mistakes with frightening efficiency.
—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
29 June 2026
Both are referential, packed with Lynchian flourishes and Stephen King Easter eggs, but at the same time like nothing else onscreen, a combination of slapstick humor and genuinely frightening jump scares that feels all its own.
—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for frightening
Cite this Entry
“Frightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frightening. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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