1
as in terrifying
causing fear
a frightful sound emanated from somewhere deep within the forest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
flew into a frightful fit of rage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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
Here's why dogs and cats may not mix well with frightful Halloween yard decorations.
—
Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024
As noted, there are limitations right now with how much generative AI can be your faithful but not frightful advisor on these matters.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Six Flags will be transformed this spooky season with a frightful array of haunted attractions, scare zones, entertainment shows and Halloween themed rides.
—Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2024
But even in states with tighter regulations, cases of frightful mix-ups and mismanagement crop up, traumatizing already-grieving families and sparking public outrage.
—Christina Coulter, Fox News, 29 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for frightful 
Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024
As noted, there are limitations right now with how much generative AI can be your faithful but not frightful advisor on these matters.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Six Flags will be transformed this spooky season with a frightful array of haunted attractions, scare zones, entertainment shows and Halloween themed rides.
—Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2024
But even in states with tighter regulations, cases of frightful mix-ups and mismanagement crop up, traumatizing already-grieving families and sparking public outrage.
—Christina Coulter, Fox News, 29 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for frightful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frightful
Adjective
-
Winters — who was so terrifying in Heroes of the Fourth Turning and who revealed a messy vulnerability behind Kerry Castellabate’s hard bangs and structured suits on Succession — is a pro at tough, slick surfaces with tangles of insecurity underneath.Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
-
Perusing the store’s shelves, there’s the usual lineup of Route 66 merch alongside a host of shirts bearing new and terrifying puns.Dan Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
One popular, gruesome theory has it that a truck ran her over and then sped away, but what happened for sure, no one can tell.Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024
-
Before his gruesome leg injury, the 24-year-old pass-rusher was on pace to secure an NFL Defensive Player of the Year trophy.Jesse Reed, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
The vote came amid a moment of intense political debate about inflation.Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
-
People with conditions like diabetes may take taurine supplements daily for extended periods, while one-time doses of taurine may be helpful before an intense workout or athletic competition.Jillian Kubala, RD, Health, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
While Malloy's candidacy represents a clear challenge to Sanders' decades-long dominance in Vermont politics, the senator's enduring popularity and political influence remain formidable.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
-
Saudi Arabia and the UAE could collaborate, turning the Gulf region into a formidable hydrogen production and export hub.Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Goldberg's words come over a year after The View began an unrelenting battle with gaseous entities, following a horrific water spillage (and mysterious fart noise of unknown origin) that plagued the Hot Topics table in January 2023.EW.com, EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024
-
Travis and Jason are clearly very close with one another, and the fan that hurled such a horrific thing led to Jason reacting in a very angry manner.James Brizuela, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Tester feedback: Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein says this finishing spray is a staple in her routine for its weightless feel and intensive oil control.Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 4 Nov. 2024
-
Beyond traditional panels, the conference offers intensive masterclasses in authentic storytelling and a hands-on hackathon where participants tackle real-world DEI challenges.Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
For example, people often dodge screenings and diagnostic tests to avoid the frightening possibility of discovering cancer.Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
-
Demi Moore is sharing scary photos of a frightening side of her character in the body horror movie The Substance.Tim Lammers, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
Meanwhile Kelly Oubre, who was terrible with the Warriors, has found success with Philadelphia.Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
-
Elsbeth and Kaya are suspicious of Roselyn, even after Valentina’s quick assessment — supported by the medical examiner — that Claude’s death was a terrible accident.Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near frightful
Cite this Entry
“Frightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frightful. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share