terrifying

1 of 2

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

terrifying

2 of 2

present participle of terrify

Synonyms of terrifying

Relevance

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of terrifying in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
Naomi Scott gives one of the best performances of 2024 as a pop star who becomes attached to the smile demon, sending her down a terrifying roller coaster to one of the most memorable horror-movie endings in years. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026 But the most terrifying characters are the broken, vain, selfish parents who in one way or another cause their children so much harm. — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Equally jubilant and terrifying, his size brings both John and Jim Ross to this mythic quality. — Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026 He is described as a terrifying figure but also one who is learned and devoted to Shiva. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrifying

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrifying was circa 1586

Rhymes for terrifying

See All Rhymes for terrifying

Browse Nearby Words

terrify
terrifying
terrigenous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrifying. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All