formidable
adjective
for·mi·da·ble
ˈfȯr-mə-də-bəl 
fȯr-ˈmi-də-bəl
fȯr-ˈmi-də-bəl
fər-ˈmi-də-bəl
1
: causing fear, dread, or apprehension
a formidable prospect
2
: having qualities that discourage approach or attack
a formidable opponent
3
: tending to inspire awe or wonder : impressive
a formidable accomplishment
Examples of formidable in a Sentence
She was known throughout Manchester as a formidable woman, and being educated had only piled more formidability on top of what she had been born with.
—
Edward P. Jones, The Known World, 2003
The technology was formidable: using two and a half million rivets, 300 steeplejacks working flat out would run it up in the space of two years …
—Alistair Horne, Seven Ages of Paris, 2002
Alta is reached by a hairpin road that climbs steadily upward—a ride of thirty minutes or so, depending on road and weather conditions—through some of the most formidable mountain scenery in the country.
—Cynthia Zarin, New Yorker, 23 Mar. 1992
The mountains were a formidable barrier.
He has mastered a formidable amount of material.
Edward P. Jones, The Known World, 2003
The technology was formidable: using two and a half million rivets, 300 steeplejacks working flat out would run it up in the space of two years …
—Alistair Horne, Seven Ages of Paris, 2002
Alta is reached by a hairpin road that climbs steadily upward—a ride of thirty minutes or so, depending on road and weather conditions—through some of the most formidable mountain scenery in the country.
—Cynthia Zarin, New Yorker, 23 Mar. 1992
The mountains were a formidable barrier.
He has mastered a formidable amount of material.
Recent Examples on the Web
Although generally painted as having underperformed in Ukraine, Russia's air force would still be formidable.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
The biggest, most formidable shark to have ever roamed the ocean may have been even larger than previously thought, according to a new study.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025
Until then, this research offers the best look yet at one of the most formidable predators to ever swim the seas.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
In concept, a European military could be formidable.
—Brad Lendon, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formidable
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Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
The biggest, most formidable shark to have ever roamed the ocean may have been even larger than previously thought, according to a new study.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025
Until then, this research offers the best look yet at one of the most formidable predators to ever swim the seas.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
In concept, a European military could be formidable.
—Brad Lendon, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Cite this Entry
“Formidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formidable. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
formidable
adjective
for·mi·da·ble
ˈfȯr-məd-ə-bəl
also
fȯr-ˈmid-
1
: causing fear or dread
a formidable foe
2
: offering serious difficulties
the mountains were a formidable barrier
3
: very impressive
had won a formidable number of medals
formidableness
noun
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