Synonyms for

Frightening

Verb / ˈfraɪtʌnɪŋ / / ˈfraɪtnɪŋ / Another word for frightening — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing fear or dread

Synonyms & similar words

fright dreadful direful dire terrorization dreaded horrific terrible dread fearsome terrorisation scare affright awful fearful frighten horrendous scary terrifying spooky haunting hair-raising chilling creepy petrifying bloodcurdling horrifying alarming intimidating daunting menacing startling shocking unnerving unsettling disturbing fearful

Synonyms by register

Formal

apprehensive disturbing alarming disquieting

Informal

scary spooky creepy eerie

Literary

dreadful terrible dire

Antonyms

calming comforting reassuring soothing peaceful pleasant

Common collocations

  • frightening prospect
  • frightening experience
  • frighteningly large
  • frighteningly fast
  • frightening reality
  • frightening thought
  • frightening noise

Word family

noun fright
verb frighten
adjective frightened
adverb frighteningly

Usage note

While 'frightening' describes something that causes fear, 'frightened' is the adjective describing the state of feeling fear.

Example sentences

  1. The dark forest at night can be frightening.
  2. The loud thunder was very frightening for the little girl.
  3. The haunted house was too frightening for some people.
  4. The scary clown was frightening the children.
  5. The horror stories are always frightening to read at night.

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