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Synonyms

fearsome

American  
[feer-suhm] / ˈfɪər səm /

adjective

  1. causing fear.

    a fearsome noise.

  2. causing awe or respect.

    a fearsome self-confidence.

  3. afraid; timid.


fearsome British  
/ ˈfɪəsəm /

adjective

  1. frightening

  2. timorous; afraid

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of fearsome

First recorded in 1760–70; fear + -some 1

Vocabulary lists containing fearsome

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The bat speed leaderboard is filled with some of MLB’s most fearsome sluggers, like the Tampa Bay Rays’ Junior Caminero, the St. Louis Cardinals’ Jordan Walker and the Philadelphia Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber.

From The Wall Street Journal Sep. 1, 2026

“Spa Weekend” is built around the same fearsome foursome ethos as shows like “Sex and the City” and “Girls,” with several different character types and lots of available friction between them.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 21, 2026

He clearly appreciates the value of a fearsome antagonist, though he somewhat overstates the threat Stalin personally posed to Emanuel after the revolution.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 9, 2026

One wonders what France might have achieved in 1962 or 1966 had they been able to call on such a fearsome striker.

From BBC Jul. 13, 2026

Abel and Amanda stood in the forefront of the group, entranced by the fearsome drama.

From "Abel's Island" by William Steig

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