terrifying

1 of 2

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ 

ˈte-rə-

1

: causing terror or apprehension

2

: of a formidable nature

terrifyingly adverb

terrifying

2 of 2

present participle of terrify

Synonyms of terrifying

Adjective

• frightening
• scary
• formidable
• horrible
• terrible
• intimidating

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

Adjective

As an actress, a character like that was thrilling and terrifying. — William Earl, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

Alas, Hersh was to miss the flight because he was still being held hostage, starving, tortured, and surviving on that date in terrifying confinement. — Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

That single choice unleashes a harrowing chain of strange and terrifying events in the dead of night, turning a simple gesture of kindness into a real-life nightmare. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026

In a collision of some of the most terrifying elements of modern society, a YouTube and TikTok influencer has fought a series of humanoid robots in unsanctioned MMA bouts. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for terrifying

• applying
• belying
• complying
• decrying
• defying
• denying
• implying
• outlying
• relying
• replying
• supplying
• undying