1
as in terrifying
causing fear
the school's seniors faced the intimidating prospect of the college entrance exams
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of intimidating
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
Presumably, those who could afford the intimidating ticket and parking prices at SoFi Stadium considered the experience worthwhile.
—
Joaquin Ruiz,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
29 June 2026
At first, Austin considered creating a four- or six-week work plan for pregnant people, but realized that might feel intimidating, especially when your energy and motivation levels fluctuate so much during pregnancy.
—
Staff Author,
Parents,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intimidating
Adjective
Some of the greatest triumphs and moments of satisfaction come from pursuing those things that are really intimidating.
—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
Presumably, those who could afford the intimidating ticket and parking prices at SoFi Stadium considered the experience worthwhile.
—
Joaquin Ruiz,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
Verb
Those pressures can make negotiations feel intimidating, but approaching conversations calmly and strategically may lead to better outcomes.
—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
29 June 2026
At first, Austin considered creating a four- or six-week work plan for pregnant people, but realized that might feel intimidating, especially when your energy and motivation levels fluctuate so much during pregnancy.
—
Staff Author,
Parents,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for intimidating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidating
Adjective
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That year, the Potomac River turned violent, as intense, heavy rains pushed the water to a terrifying, near-record flood level of 60,000 cubic feet per second.
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Just like waiting for the release of the bull, the ride vehicle will pause for three seconds before a terrifying 285-foot drop.
Adjective
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Abraham Lincoln furiously scribbled in Springfield on June 27, 1858, firing off a gruff note to the editor-in-chief of the Chicago Press & Tribune, then in business for only 11 years.
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But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.
Verb
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This legislation helps our state meet current challenges and ensures bullying via AI is addressed in the school code.
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Muslim students continue to report the highest rates of bullying among religious groups in the country.
Adjective
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The hypocrisy is stunning, and frightening.
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Yes, the Scots played poorly, but Brazil’s brilliant roster of attacking talent capitalized on mistakes with frightening efficiency.
Adjective
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The 2023 arrest of her then-10-year-old cousin for urinating in public brought fierce condemnation.
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For a party that prides itself on diversity, the clashes have exacerbated fierce debates over identity politics and long-standing rifts between progressives and moderates.
Verb
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Suddenly the seller is tiptoeing, managing the buyer's mood, terrified of saying the wrong thing and scaring them off.
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Two earthquakes jolted Venezuela with one-two punch on Wednesday, damaging buildings and scaring people who felt the violent shaking.
Adjective
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The Scottish lawyer was one of the smartest, most formidable specialists in the luxury business, with a reputation that carried internationally and a vast roll call of clients.
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With five volumes of his Noise Kandy series, to solo and collaborative albums (KISS THE RING, Kontraband, Trainspotting), the Griselda affiliate has cemented his status as one of today’s most formidable spitters.
Adjective
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England, which has been patchy so far, poses the sternest test yet for the co-hosts.
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With upcoming opponents Croatia providing a sterner test in possession, Portugal’s defensive display will be under greater scrutiny.
Cite this Entry
“Intimidating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimidating. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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