1
: causing intense fear or alarm : terrifying
2
: startling especially in being bad or objectionable
a frightful novel
3
: extreme
frightful thirst
frightfulness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of frightful in a Sentence
As he fell, he let out a frightful scream.
a frightful illness that causes extreme pain
The children made a frightful mess of the kitchen.
Many critics have expressed shock at the song's frightful lyrics.
Recent Examples on the Web
Considering that the weather outside isn’t exactly frightful during the winter months in SoCal, our concert calendar manages to keep our social lives plenty warm in between all the extra meals and family gatherings scheduled to descend upon us in the coming days.
—
Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2024
Following these precautions can help ensure everyone has a fun night without any frightful mishaps.
—Sarah Darby, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
These regional theme parks have big plans for frightful fun this fall
Hershey’s Chocolate World hosts a Trick-or-Treat Trail during the Halloween season with plenty of sweets to share.
—Josh Roberts, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024
And maybe there is a joke to be made about some of the other frightful sights that have been seen leaving the stadium in the early hours — mostly on their way out of Crystals nightclub, which operated here for more than 20 years before closing in 2017.
—Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 28 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for frightful 
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Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2024
Following these precautions can help ensure everyone has a fun night without any frightful mishaps.
—Sarah Darby, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
These regional theme parks have big plans for frightful fun this fall
Hershey’s Chocolate World hosts a Trick-or-Treat Trail during the Halloween season with plenty of sweets to share.
—Josh Roberts, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024
And maybe there is a joke to be made about some of the other frightful sights that have been seen leaving the stadium in the early hours — mostly on their way out of Crystals nightclub, which operated here for more than 20 years before closing in 2017.
—Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 28 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for frightful
Dictionary Entries Near frightful
Cite this Entry
“Frightful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frightful. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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