1
as in terrifying
causing fear
a formidable, irascible old man who frightened the neighborhood children
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
running a marathon is a formidable undertaking
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of formidable
To be sure, Copping brings to the task formidable skills, honed most recently in Balenciaga’s couture and VIP departments.
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Miles Socha, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
As a long-time brand ambassador for the Italian jewelry house, Hathaway is an ardent fan of the formidable jewels, whether for red carpet moments and paired with gowns, or in deft high-low dressing that juxtaposes a much coveted Gap dress with a diamond necklace, earrings, bracelet, and rings.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025
She was picked by Mr. Trump to be his nominee for attorney general after Matt Gaetz, a former congressman from Florida who was Mr. Trump’s first choice for the job, withdrew his name in the face of formidable opposition, even within his own Republican Party.
—Eric Lipton, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Catch a peek of the formidable retired military police officer's escapades alongside pal Frances Neagley (Maria Sten) in the full trailer below.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for formidable 
Miles Socha, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025
As a long-time brand ambassador for the Italian jewelry house, Hathaway is an ardent fan of the formidable jewels, whether for red carpet moments and paired with gowns, or in deft high-low dressing that juxtaposes a much coveted Gap dress with a diamond necklace, earrings, bracelet, and rings.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025
She was picked by Mr. Trump to be his nominee for attorney general after Matt Gaetz, a former congressman from Florida who was Mr. Trump’s first choice for the job, withdrew his name in the face of formidable opposition, even within his own Republican Party.
—Eric Lipton, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Catch a peek of the formidable retired military police officer's escapades alongside pal Frances Neagley (Maria Sten) in the full trailer below.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for formidable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formidable
Adjective
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The stability and flexibility around Josh Allen makes for a terrifying formula.Derrik Klassen, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
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What’s more terrifying than losing control of your physical and mental self as your most primal, animalistic instincts take the wheel?David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Simplifying Complexity Through Narratives Leaders often need to communicate complex strategies or concepts, which can be difficult for teams to fully grasp.Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
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Officials have also warned the algorithm that fuels what users see on the app is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who can use it to shape content on the platform in a way that's difficult to detect.MARK SHERMAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The glorious few who still worry about the decline of Palm Beach society speculated wildly that Trump was planning to legalize gambling and build a casino, or — the truly frightening possibility — subdivide his acreage and sell houses.Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
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In a cast full of mothers, the women are naturally sympathetic, triggered by the idea that something that frightening could happen to them too – only to be a little flummoxed at the full picture as more details started to come out.Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Today’s average difficulty is 5.2 guesses out of 6, or very challenging.New York Times Games, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
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Finding a way to relax and take your mind off football can be challenging, but Colwill uses Lego to unwind.The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Which sounds kind of nerdy and scary simultaneously.Davey Winder, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
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While the unknown is scary, there is magic in transforming and becoming a better version of ourselves.Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Reporting Highlights Child Care Gap: About 70% of rural Illinoisans live in a child care desert, forcing tough choices on parents: Some drive 100 miles a day or more to find care, others leave the workforce.ProPublica, ProPublica, 10 Jan. 2025
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Rempe became a fan favorite in New York as a rookie last season, making a name for himself around the NHL by fighting the league's biggest and toughest stalwarts.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Two women were now the lead anchors on Today, creating a powerful symbolism just as terrible revelations were surfacing about several men in the industry.Eric Deggans, NPR, 10 Jan. 2025
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The Los Angeles wildfires have been a terrible tragedy.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The Kings hadn’t played since their double-overtime win over the Miami Heat on Monday, leaving three days between games, which likely would have meant at least one rigorous practice with Brown at the helm.Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 11 Jan. 2025
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Truth, in this sense, is sought and rendered, something produced by rigorous inquiry and informed consideration rather than something discovered.Fergus McIntosh, The New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near formidable
Cite this Entry
“Formidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formidable. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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