FRIGHTFUL Synonyms: 168 Similar and Opposite Words

frightful

adjective

ˈfrīt-fəl

Definition of frightful

as in terrifying

causing fear a frightful sound emanated from somewhere deep within the forest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gruesome

extremely disturbing or repellent I couldn't listen to the frightful details of the murder trial

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect flew into a frightful fit of rage

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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 frightful Every traveler has their own set of needs for a more comfortable flight; some need head support, some prefer memory foam, and some need a pillow that can handle the frightful middle seat. — Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026 Their first thought was that perhaps Jeff King had killed the Wellses’ dog, a frightful notion on its own. — Kansas City Star, 3 Feb. 2026 On the front, there might be frightful faces, either side of the belly. — Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026 John Tufts The weather outside is about to get frightful as a potentially dangerous winter storm crawls its way across the country. — John Tufts, IndyStar, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for frightful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frightful

Adjective

Fifty years ago, scientists pioneering a terrifying gene-splicing technology figured out a way to collectively hit pause.

— Nick Fountain, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026
Don’t worry, the breakdown starts in a hurry and Cardellini is terrifying, if perhaps not as sympathetic as the series requires long-term.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrifying

Adjective

Among protesters, particularly gruesome wounds suffered by some teenagers have been blamed on police riot-control weapons.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Mars Attacks, released in 1962, was a huge hit with kids, though many parents objected to the gruesome artwork of Martians eviscerating Earthlings.

— Bob Woods, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of gruesome

Adjective

Pike committed the crime over an intense romantic jealousy of Slemmer, who allegedly attempted to steal her boyfriend’s attention.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Carnegie Hall seats well over 3,000 people, but this intense, no-frills performance film gives life to the old saying about feeling alone in a crowd.

— Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of intense

Adjective

But the expansion of Bioko's strategy presents formidable challenges, from porous international borders to the sheer scale of the territory.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Although a small number of peptide medicines are already available as pills, most candidates still face formidable barriers to oral delivery.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of formidable

Adjective

There’s a slickness to the carnage that rubs uncomfortably against the film’s humanist ethos, rendering artificial (for all Shen Teng’s trembling and mouth-contorting labors) the horrific tragedies that befall its characters.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
What happened to you was horrific, and there is nothing that any of us can say today that will make this any easier.

— Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of horrific

Adjective

Atrium is also offering day hospital programs in which patients receive intensive treatment and return home at night.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Because schools would otherwise use that money to buy equipment, the proposal would most affect two-year technical schools with equipment-intensive programs like welding or automotive programs.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of intensive

Adjective

Doyle has played all kinds of frightening characters in his five years at Markoff's.

— Ayesha Rascoe, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
The trailer for the movie, which includes a particularly frightening jump scare from Chastain as Other Mommy, went viral online after playing in front of theatrical screenings.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of frightening

Adjective

Despite the identically horrible records, these teams are in different places.

— Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026
In all, the Dodgers drowned out that horrible tomahawk chop with some mighty hacks of their own, winning 3-1 while finally displaying some of the desperation that had been missing.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of horrible

Browse Nearby Words

frightens

frightful

frightfully

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“Frightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frightful. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of frightful

adjective

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