intimidating 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tiŋ How to pronounce intimidating (audio)
Definition of intimidatingnext
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1
as in terrifying
causing fear the school's seniors faced the intimidating prospect of the college entrance exams

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2
as in gruff
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance an intimidating bodyguard keeping the fans away from the pop star

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intimidating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of intimidate
as in frightening
to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats refusing to be intimidated by the manager's harsh stare, I demanded my money back

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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 intimidating
Adjective
Sourdough bread is a classic, but if that feels too intimidating, a standard bread machine recipe is an accessible place to start. — Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025 And if that all still feels too intimidating, try experimenting at home first. — Kate Friedman, Glamour, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
No standard-issue heartthrob, Law began his career as a veritable emblem of intimidating, unattainable, sometimes self-sabotaging male beauty. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024 Well, doing a guest star role is always intimidating. — Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for intimidating
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidating
  1. terrifying
  2. gruff
  3. frightening
  4. fierce
  5. bullying
  6. formidable
  7. stern
  8. scary
Adjective
  • Despite the terrifying incidinet, only eight passengers were on board at the time, and no one sustained serious injuries.
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • And yet somehow, this horror film about a family whose new home is haunted by a spirit never runs out of gas, managing to resonate as a powerful domestic drama and as a terrifying story about grief and love.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of terrifying
Adjective
  • In The Empire’s frame, residents of a coastal village in northern France — gruff, virile fisherman Jony (Brandon Vlieghe) and teenage tease Line (Lyna Khoudri) — reveal their oddball allegiance to extraterrestrial invaders.
    — Armond White, National Review, 14 Mar. 2025
  • There’s a gruff and garrulous baseball pitching and hitting machine called Pop Fly (Brian Cox).
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of gruff
Adjective
  • That an unelected tech billionaire has so much power over the American government is equal parts confusing and frightening.
    — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Strong’s interpretation of Roy Cohn in The Apprentice was tragicomic and frightening stuff.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of frightening
Adjective
  • The bill has been met with both fierce opposition and staunch support from students, professors and community members across the state.
    — Amanda McCard, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025
  • With Zverev looking to cement his dominance, Alcaraz aiming for a repeat title, and Fritz eager to defend home soil, the competition will be fierce from day one.
    — Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of fierce
Verb
  • Instead, there was a fast, tough, physical team flying around and making big-time plays, bullying the big-boy Tar Heels.
    — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 30 Dec. 2024
  • LeBron James scored 32 points one game after setting the NBA’s all-time minutes record for regular-season games, bullying the Kings on the offensive end while grabbing four steals on the defensive end.
    — Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024
Definition of bullying
Adjective
  • 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
Definition of formidable
Adjective
  • Lilian laughed, but Dr. Fenton remained stern, only nodding at Lilian’s understanding.
    — Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Waves of anti-Tesla and Elon Musk protests ripple throughout Bay Area Related Articles With few options, Bay Area Democrats in Congress oppose Trump with stern letters, town halls and protest California’s first zero-emission car mandates are coming.
    — CNN.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2025
Definition of stern
Adjective
  • There’s a lot to love with Tuten and his ceiling is super high, but the floor is extremely scary because of his fumbles.
    — Steve Bradshaw, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Though these scenes unfold in real time, the narrative as a whole progresses in fits and starts: episodes are separated by days or months, during which Jamie becomes something of a cause célèbre for the internet’s scariest men.
    — Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of scary

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“Intimidating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimidating. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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