intimidating
adjective
in·tim·i·dat·ing
in-ˈti-mə-ˌdā-tiŋ 
: 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
Ian ThomsenFirst 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
Daphne Hurford
intimidatingly
adverb
The ship was eerily, intimidatingly empty …
—Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain
… according to the architect Richard Rogers, [Daniel] Libeskind's work isn't just formally arresting—it is intimidatingly smart.
—Jason Cowley
Jason Cowley
Synonyms
Examples of intimidating in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
He has been charged with one count each of disorderly conduct involving weapons, a felony, and threatening or intimidating, a misdemeanor.
—Erick Mendoza, NBC News, 11 Apr. 2024
But while a horticultural hobby can be rewarding, and even beneficial to your physical and mental health, starting a vegetable garden can seem a bit intimidating.
—Kate Morgan, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024
Stepping into the financial space to secure a small business loan can often feel intimidating but understanding what is needed for a small business bank loan can make all the difference for your business.
—Melissa Houston, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
As Clyde, Tanya Alexander has the fiercely intimidating presence of a woman worn down by life but bitterly determined to survive.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2024
Apps make meeting new people easier and less intimidating.
—Bernard Kim, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024
The section of the Gallatin River that Kadin wanted to run was near my house, easily accessible and less intimidating than anything in the canyon.
—Maggie Slepian, Longreads, 2 Apr. 2024
But while comfy jammies and mood lighting can make exercise less intimidating, there are still some safety guidelines to follow, Grayver points out.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024
This was a little bit intimidating, but an amazing experience.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Mar. 2024
Erick Mendoza, NBC News, 11 Apr. 2024
But while a horticultural hobby can be rewarding, and even beneficial to your physical and mental health, starting a vegetable garden can seem a bit intimidating.
—Kate Morgan, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024
Stepping into the financial space to secure a small business loan can often feel intimidating but understanding what is needed for a small business bank loan can make all the difference for your business.
—Melissa Houston, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
As Clyde, Tanya Alexander has the fiercely intimidating presence of a woman worn down by life but bitterly determined to survive.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2024
Apps make meeting new people easier and less intimidating.
—Bernard Kim, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024
The section of the Gallatin River that Kadin wanted to run was near my house, easily accessible and less intimidating than anything in the canyon.
—Maggie Slepian, Longreads, 2 Apr. 2024
But while comfy jammies and mood lighting can make exercise less intimidating, there are still some safety guidelines to follow, Grayver points out.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024
This was a little bit intimidating, but an amazing experience.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intimidating.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near intimidating
Cite this Entry
“Intimidating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intimidating. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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