HAIR-RAISING Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

hair-raising

adjective

ˈher-ˌrā-ziŋ

Definition of hair-raising

as in terrifying

causing fear hair-raising stories of headless corpses and disembodied screams

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in breathtaking

causing great emotional or mental stimulation a theme park that is legendary for its lightning-fast roller-coaster and other hair-raising rides

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 hair-raising Then into motorboats for hair-raising dashes through tortuous canals and across rough water to dams far back in some vast marsh. — Nash Buckingham, Outdoor Life, 19 June 2025 The term hair-raising takes on new meaning as two performers contort their bodies high above the stage, connected only by their coiffures. — Karen D'souza, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025 Led by vocalist Christina Michelle’s hair-raising screams, Deep Sage mangles everything in its path with thick basslines and switchblade guitars until the floor is bloodied but the air, at long last, is cleansed. — Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024 The reason this seems hair-raising is that most generative AI is devised to wait for the human to initiate a conversation. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for hair-raising

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hair-raising

Adjective

But getting that fissile material off the launchpad safely remains a terrifying engineering hurdle.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
After Weyland-Yutani’s spaceship collides with Prodigy City, Wendy and the other hybrids encounter mysterious life forms more terrifying than anyone could have ever imagined.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 July 2026

Definition of terrifying

Adjective

Set high above the town with breathtaking sea views from all 27 suites and 13 private villas (which are individually staffed), La Réserve offers serenity and discretion—all while being just a few minutes' drive from Pampelonne Beach.

— Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
As Americans reflect on our 250-year history as a sovereign nation, there's no better time to appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty the country offers.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of breathtaking

Adjective

Spain are a more understated attacking unit, and there’s a sense that while Lamine Yamal has been excellent, there is another gear for the Barcelona 18-year-old to find, which is fairly frightening for everyone else.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
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

Definition of frightening

Adjective

We were treated to a commercial-free evening of exciting entertaining, educational, emotional and joyful programming.

— Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026
The player in question is Jesse Bisiwu from Club Brugge, who has been described as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of exciting

Adjective

England faces a formidable challenge against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup knockout round, playing at Estadio Azteca, 7,220 feet above sea level.

— Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
However, there is arguably no matchup currently more daunting than a game against this formidable France side.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of formidable

Adjective

The thrilling result is the second time in as many matches that Argentina narrowly avoided defeat.

— Mason Leib, ABC News, 7 July 2026
Thiero, who missed last year’s summer league because of a knee injury, had 13 points in the Lakers’ thrilling, 93-91 double-overtime win over the Miami Heat on Sunday at Chase Center.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of thrilling

Adjective

The Show Has Largely Lost Its Fear Factor The first and second seasons of From were scary.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
France’s starting lineup is scary and their depth isn’t any less terrifying, and this is without Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike who is currently sidelined through injury.

— Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of scary

Adjective

England versus Argentina also features two previous winners, but this match has a much more interesting history to it.

— Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Looks like an interesting docu-series, though, maybe especially for those of us who will never go in person.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026

Definition of interesting

Browse Nearby Words

hair-raisers

hair-raising

hairs

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“Hair-raising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hair-raising. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hair-raising

adjective

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