terrifying
adjective
ter·ri·fy·ing
ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ 
ˈte-rə-
1
: causing terror or apprehension
2
: of a formidable nature
terrifyingly
adverb
Examples of terrifying in a Sentence
The thought of dying alone was terrifying.
heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room
Recent Examples on the Web
What to know about the committee’s investigation into Epstein.
'Like a horror movie'
Exhausting, terrifying and like something out of a horror movie.
—
Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
These Phillies have faced various forms of adversity in recent years, and none of it rises to this — their ace sidelined by a terrifying blood clot six weeks from the start of another postseason filled with great expectations.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Bam Soon is one of those no-nonsense grandmas, both adorable and terrifying.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Details on the election process are thin, but many citizens could be casting their votes in an active conflict zone or under the eyes of armed soldiers – a terrifying prospect that some say could lead to more violence.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrifying
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.
Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
These Phillies have faced various forms of adversity in recent years, and none of it rises to this — their ace sidelined by a terrifying blood clot six weeks from the start of another postseason filled with great expectations.
—Matt Gelb, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025
Bam Soon is one of those no-nonsense grandmas, both adorable and terrifying.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Details on the election process are thin, but many citizens could be casting their votes in an active conflict zone or under the eyes of armed soldiers – a terrifying prospect that some say could lead to more violence.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrifying
Cite this Entry
“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrifying. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share