hair-raising

adjective

ˈher-ˌrā-ziŋ How to pronounce hair-raising (audio)
Definition of hair-raisingnext
1
as in terrifying
causing fear hair-raising stories of headless corpses and disembodied screams

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
  1. terrifying
  2. breathtaking
  3. frightening
  4. exciting
  5. formidable
  6. thrilling
  7. scary
  8. interesting
Adjective
  • Equally jubilant and terrifying, his size brings both John and Jim Ross to this mythic quality.
    — Charlotte Observer, 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
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • Nvidia's giveback Friday was certainly not because the company didn't report an amazing, if not breathtaking, quarter.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The experience goes far beyond the golf course; Palmares is known across the world for having one of the most breathtaking clubhouse environments in all of golf.
    — Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of breathtaking
Adjective
  • The thoughts that accompany these conditions can be alarming and frightening, making many women reluctant to talk about them or seek help.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There are frightening stories of swordfish charging boats, and even spearing their transoms and whacking propellers.
    — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • That performance and a handful of others leads the way as the UFC wrapped up an exciting event from Shanghai.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • While a lot of the shorts are fully animated, the parts where this cartoon interacts with the real world were the most exciting then and are still a delight now.
    — James Grebey, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of exciting
Adjective
  • Greenspan was renowned for his formidable data-crunching capabilities, sharp reading of market psychology, and subtle, often elusive communication style.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Their armory is formidable; their cash supply, a source of comic relief.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • Anyone who’s watched Unrivaled knows this game is every bit as thrilling as any other sport out there.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Boyle succeeds in making a thrilling, propulsive movie using his signature kinetic filmmaking style of quick cuts, unconventional camera angles, and a frantic pace.
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of thrilling
Adjective
  • The scariest part is how little of this chemical can cause such severe damage.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026
  • These changes can sound scary, but preparation and knowledge are key to keeping your hair healthy.
    — Sarah Madaus, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of scary
Adjective
  • Coach John Harbaugh made the interesting decision Friday night to sit Dart and a number of other starters for a second straight preseason game.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Cartoonists on Dolly Parton's life and legacy Join 350,000+ subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of interesting

Browse Nearby Words

hair-raisers
hair-raising
hairs
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Cite this Entry

“Hair-raising.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hair-raising. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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