INTIMIDATING Synonyms: 226 Similar and Opposite Words

intimidating 1 of 2

adjective

in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tiŋ

Definition of intimidating

as in terrifying

causing fear the school's seniors faced the intimidating prospect of the college entrance exams

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gruff

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

intimidating

2 of 2

verb

present participle of intimidate

as in bullying

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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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 intimidating

Adjective

An alarmed individual may coil its body and open its mouth in an attempt to appear more intimidating. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026 The company blends the visual identity of the larger XSR family with modern entry-level components, shrinking the basic ingredients into a package that's easier to ride, cheaper to run, and far less intimidating. — New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

Others have more broad statutes prohibiting any kind of intimidating behavior. — Danielle Friedman, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 That would be in 51,521-seat Rice-Eccles Stadium, which stands an intimidating 4,637 feet above sea level in scenic Salt Lake City. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intimidating

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intimidating

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

Defying the old-school stereotype of the hard-nosed, gruff newspaper boss, Vaughn often mentored young reporters in a serious but friendly and encouraging manner.

— Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
Over three decades in stand-up comedy, Bill Burr has gained a reputation for saying, with gruff conviction and political fire, the thing on everyone’s mind.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

There is nothing more frightening than when the familiar starts acting strange, in movies or in life.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
And with Halloween nearly upon us, the question of what frightening, shocking, silly, classic, or demonically camp movies to press play on again (and again) has never been more pertinent.

— Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of frightening

Adjective

His successor, Bennett, had been among its fiercest critics, raising the prospect that the arrangement might finally end.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
The deadly fire erupted Saturday at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, where fierce winds fueled flames that spread beyond the installation and into surrounding rural areas.

— Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of fierce

Verb

Such actions are scaring people away from coming to court, whether as witnesses, defendants or observers, Bonta said, and amount to a blatant abuse of power.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
The Longhorns aren't scaring anyone on offense and Sarkisian has come under fire for his play calling.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of scaring

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

Below is Jordan — bearded, stern, and wearing a leather jacket — as Det.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
Preliminary information indicates that the explosion occurred near the vessel’s stern deck, resulting in limited damage, a police spokesperson said in a statement.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of stern

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intimidates

intimidating

intimidation

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Style

“Intimidating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intimidating. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of intimidating

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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