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What is another word for Intimidating? – 195 Intimidating Synonyms

    Need another word for Intimidating? Use these synonyms of Intimidating from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    frightening daunting scary fearsome formidable unnerving unsettling disturbing alarming chilling spine-tingling hair-raising terrifying petrifying overwhelming overbearing crushing oppressing weighing heavily discouraging disheartening unnerve demoralize disconcert unsettle rattle upset perturb traumatic distressing horrible appalling horrific ghastly gruesome macabre forbidding ominous menacing threatening hostile aggressive belligerent pugnacious truculent ferocious savage brutal vicious cruel merciless ruthless pitiless heartless inhumane barbaric inhuman bestial brutish feral ferine

    Meaning of Intimidating

    The primary meaning of "intimidating" is causing someone to feel nervous or frightened, or making someone feel less confident or determined.

    Definitions

    • Causing someone to feel nervous or frightened, or making someone feel less confident or determined
    • * Having a powerful or impressive quality that makes people feel nervous or frightened

    Etymology of Intimidating

    The word "intimidating" originates from the verb "intimidate", which comes from the Latin "intimidare", meaning "to frighten" or "to threaten"
    The Latin word is a combination of "in-" (meaning "in" or "into") and "timidare" (meaning "to make timid" or "to frighten"), which is derived from "timidus" (meaning "fearful" or "timid")
    The word "intimidating" has been used in the English language since the 17th century to describe something or someone that inspires fear or nervousness

    Example Uses

    • The large dog had an intimidating appearance, but it was actually very friendly
    • * The new policy is intimidating to many employees, who are worried about their job security
    • * The opponent's team was intimidating on the field, with their aggressive plays and tough defense

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    reassuring comforting soothing calming gentle mild moderate peaceful peaceful tranquil serene calming placid quiet still silent motionless restful relaxing unwind untroubled unperturbed undisturbed unbothered carefree lighthearted cheerful encouraging uplifting heartening inspiring motivational reassuring confidence-building

    Related Nouns

    threat fear anxiety dread apprehension unease nervousness tension stress pressure coercion bullying harassment menace danger peril risk hazard obstacle challenge difficulty problem intimidation bullying terrorism torment persecution

    Related Verbs

    intimidate frighten scare threaten menace bully harass coerce force compel pressure oppress overwhelm overbear crush weigh discourage dishearten unnerve demoralize disconcert unsettle rattle upset perturb traumatize distress

    Related Adjectives

    frightening daunting scary fearsome formidable unnerving unsettling disturbing alarming chilling spine-tingling hair-raising terrifying petrifying overwhelming overbearing crushing oppressing discouraging disheartening reassuring comforting soothing calming gentle mild moderate peaceful tranquil serene calming placid quiet still silent motionless restful relaxing carefree lighthearted cheerful encouraging uplifting heartening inspiring motivational