intimidating

adjective

in·​tim·​i·​dat·​ing in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tiŋ How to pronounce intimidating (audio)
: 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
First 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
intimidatingly adverb
The ship was eerily, intimidatingly empty … Anthony Bourdain
… according to the architect Richard Rogers, [Daniel] Libeskind's work isn't just formally arresting—it is intimidatingly smart. 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
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.
Intense and intimidating, the chute is for the brave skiers willing to seemingly defy gravity. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024 What scares drivers Motorists indicated that driving on the opposite side of the road is the most intimidating factor about driving abroad. Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024 In-office treatments have been around for a while, but innovations in at-home hair removal devices make the process far less intimidating and costly for those seeking longer-term results beyond what an electric shaver can provide. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2024 Libby also often hiked the Monon High Bridge trail and was never scared to cross the bridge, which is famous and intimidating for its height and the big gaps between the wooden steps. Jordan Smith, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intimidating 

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intimidating was in 1748

Dictionary Entries Near intimidating

Cite this Entry

“Intimidating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intimidating. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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