1
as in terrifying
causing fear
the school's seniors faced the intimidating prospect of the college entrance exams
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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 frightening
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
Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Simulate school days ahead of time Starting school for the first time can be an intimidating change.
—Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2025
While that sentence plays, Spector looks directly into the camera, holding a crystal glass and wearing a sexy, intimidating grin.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intimidating
Adjective
Electronic harassment, or online harassment, refers to the use of electronic communication devices to target an individual with threatening, intimidating, or harmful behavior.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Simulate school days ahead of time Starting school for the first time can be an intimidating change.
—Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
The students are delightfully distinct, as is Collette, who once again distinguishes a new intimidating matriarch from all her others.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2025
While that sentence plays, Spector looks directly into the camera, holding a crystal glass and wearing a sexy, intimidating grin.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intimidating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidating
Adjective
-
These shifting climates intimately shaped the biosphere over this span (and vice versa), and in occasional terrifying pulses, threatened to end it.—
Peter Brannen,
Quanta Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
-
That was a terrifying last four days.—
Marina Watts,
PEOPLE,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Panday plays a convincingly gruff tortured artist alongside Padda’s struggling ingenue, and most of the screen time is devoted to their pairing instead of introducing tertiary excess.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
13 Sep. 2025
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The barbs were frequently aimed at the gruff owner of Mel’s Diner played by the late Vic Tayback.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Instances of swatting have been plaguing the nation for years, with fake shooting threats frightening the public and forcing schools, hospitals, grocery stores, office buildings, and airports into temporary lockdowns.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Rip currents are formidable natural forces, but knowing how to react can significantly increase your chances of safely navigating these challenging waters.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Sep. 2025
-
On paper, the American team looked formidable, boasting Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and other stars.—
Tim Corlett,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In the face of fierce opposition, Lyles supported bringing the Republican National Convention to Charlotte in 2020 — standing on her commitment to represent the entire city as mayor.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Sep. 2025
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In Paradise Bay, competition is fierce to attract high-end clientele and the standout offering at Maxx Royal is its two-story, 5,750-square-meter spa.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Jeremiah has been so completely denigrated that the actor who plays him, Gavin Casalegno, has faced death threats, and the show’s official social media has posted public statements asking for fans to stop bullying him.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
18 Sep. 2025
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Harry’s claims include his description of William having a nasty temper and allegedly attacking Harry and pushing a false narrative about Meghan bullying palace staff.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Unfortunately, on Wednesday during practice, the Steelers suffered a scary injury.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Life in the camp for the displaced was scary and hard.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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From one side, draped in a dark-blue robe and flanked by an entourage in matching work shirts, Joe Frazier walked slowly through the crowd, stern and granite-jawed.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
16 Sep. 2025
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Not even the most stern calls to sit down could keep the crowds away, as production staff tried to pave a path for fellow front row faces like rapper Glorilla, Charles Melton, Celtics player Jayson Tatum — who was sidelined late last season with an injury — Elle Fanning, and more.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Intimidating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimidating. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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