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

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.
Jelmer de Blois, a guide with Wilderness Escape Adventures, detailed how Jessie handled the terrifying event. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 Fireworks can be especially terrifying for pets (my pittie mix agrees). Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 30 June 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 Production is underway on Monster Maker, a documentary about Stan Winston, the legendary special effects artist behind some of the most memorable and terrifying creatures ever put on screen. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 June 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

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Cite this Entry

“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrifying. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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