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
Shot and released ahead of Halloween, the actress and singer stayed on theme, wearing mostly black and keeping her selections to the frightful, dystopian, and surreal.
—
Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 3 Nov. 2024
Navigating The Treacherous Workplace The workplace is full of frightful challenges.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
When did parents first become frightful of what is in their kids' Halloween candy?
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024
Style Beauty Entertainment Shopping Wellness Culture Gifts Video Women of the Year
Nailed It
The weather outside is frightful, but your nails are so delightful.
—Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for frightful 
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Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 3 Nov. 2024
Navigating The Treacherous Workplace The workplace is full of frightful challenges.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
When did parents first become frightful of what is in their kids' Halloween candy?
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024
Style Beauty Entertainment Shopping Wellness Culture Gifts Video Women of the Year
Nailed It
The weather outside is frightful, but your nails are so delightful.
—Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, 23 Oct. 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 16 Nov. 2024.
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