intimidating
adjective
in·tim·i·dat·ing
in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tiŋ 
: causing a loss of courage or self-confidence : producing feelings of fear or timidity
an intimidating snarl
a boss with a very intimidating manner
The Red Army athletes were the most intimidating of competitors.—
Ian Thomsen
Ian ThomsenFirst jobs are intimidating for everyone, but few people have to cope with the stresses of the workplace at such a tender age as ballet dancers do.—Daphne Hurford
Daphne Hurford
intimidatingly
adverb
The ship was eerily, intimidatingly empty …
—Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain
… according to the architect Richard Rogers, [Daniel] Libeskind's work isn't just formally arresting—it is intimidatingly smart.
—Jason Cowley
Jason Cowley
Examples of intimidating in a Sentence
the school's seniors faced the intimidating prospect of the college entrance exams
an intimidating bodyguard keeping the fans away from the pop star
Recent Examples on the Web
Nelson believes Arndt can be an intimidating presence on the mound, adding to his effectiveness.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Moving to a new city and starting a new job can be one of the most intimidating parts of building a career.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
Ted Danson recalled an intimidating first encounter with former President Bill Clinton and his Secret Service detail during an early date with his now-wife, Mary Steenburgen.
—Antonio Ferme, Variety, 19 Apr. 2026
To most Americans, Roald Dahl is a children’s book author — the imaginative, intimidating, and somewhat insane mind behind beloved books like Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and The BFG.
—Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intimidating
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Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Moving to a new city and starting a new job can be one of the most intimidating parts of building a career.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
Ted Danson recalled an intimidating first encounter with former President Bill Clinton and his Secret Service detail during an early date with his now-wife, Mary Steenburgen.
—Antonio Ferme, Variety, 19 Apr. 2026
To most Americans, Roald Dahl is a children’s book author — the imaginative, intimidating, and somewhat insane mind behind beloved books like Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and The BFG.
—Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intimidating
Cite this Entry
“Intimidating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intimidating. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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