Synonyms for

Formidable

Verb / ˈfɔ:rmʌdʌbʌl / / ˌfɔ:ˈrmɪdʌbʌl / Another word for formidable — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing fear, apprehension, or dread

Synonyms & similar words

unnerving redoubtable terrifying fearsome intimidating menacing threatening alarming daunting ominous scary petrifying horrendous ghastly horrifying shocking terrible dreadful chilling spine-chilling blood-curdling hair-raising

Synonyms by register

Formal

daunting intimidating challenging arduous

Informal

tough hard no joke

Literary

dreadful terrible awful

Antonyms

easy simple unimpressive weak manageable trivial insignificant

Common collocations

  • formidable opponent
  • formidable task
  • formidable challenge
  • formidable obstacle
  • formidable reputation
  • formidable barrier
  • formidable force

Word family

noun formidability
adverb formidably

Usage note

Often used to describe something that inspires respect or awe due to its size, power, or difficulty. It can have a negative connotation of being too difficult to overcome, or a positive one of being impressive and worthy of respect.

Example sentences

  1. The dragon was a formidable opponent for the knight.
  2. The mountain range looked formidable in the distance.
  3. The math test was so formidable that I studied for hours.
  4. The army's weapons were formidable and struck fear into their enemies.
  5. The haunted house was a formidable sight to see.

Quotes

  • The most formidable weapon against errors of every kind is reason. - Thomas Paine
  • The most formidable chains are those we forge ourselves. - William Ernest Henley
  • A formidable sight it was to see him take the bit between his teeth. - Charles Dickens

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