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

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Adjective

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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
Audiences embraced the films for their creeping realism and slow-building scares, which transformed ordinary bedrooms, hallways and home security cameras into places where something terrifying might be lurking just outside the frame. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 As terrifying as so many of the technologies that constitute the carceral surround are (or purport to be), the reality is that in practice many of them work terribly. — Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026 The Yankees now had two enormous, terrifying sluggers in the middle of their order. — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Two Fort Worth school district students were placed on the wrong bus home this week, creating what one parent described as a terrifying situation. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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