intimidating

adjective

: 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.
Oftentimes, especially in Japan, some of the luxury resale stores can feel a little formal and intimidating. Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024 The racial wealth gap is a big problem and usually, the conversations around it can sound incredibly intimidating. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 23 Dec. 2024 In The Devil Wears Prada, Hathaway played Andy Sachs, an aspiring journalist who lands a job supporting New York City's biggest high-fashion magazine editors, the intimidating and cynical Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep. Gil MacIas, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024 Few holiday meals are more intimidating than Thanksgiving, from the political tensions at the table to the threat of dry turkey and ruining aunt Karen's famous mac and cheese recipe yet again. Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 12 Nov. 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 5 Jan. 2025.

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