English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj B2 Upper-Intermediate

fearsome

FIHR-suhm
Quiz me More like this

Fearsome (adj) means Frightening, especially in appearance or reputation. Example: “The castle was guarded by a fearsome-looking dragon statue.”

adj
1
Frightening, especially in appearance or reputation.
"The warriors faced a fearsome enemy."
"The castle was guarded by a fearsome-looking dragon statue."
"She built a fearsome reputation as a courtroom lawyer."
"She gave him a fearsome glare."

How to use fearsome

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishScary or intimidating, often because of size, power, or reputation.

Common pairings
fearsome reputation fearsome opponent
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like fearsome.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Comparative
more fearsome
Superlative
most fearsome
Test yourself on “fearsome” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The castle was guarded by a _____-looking dragon statue.

Etymology

From "fear" plus "-some," a suffix meaning "tending to cause."

Related words

Rhymes for fearsome

See all rhymes for fearsome →

Frequently asked questions

What does “fearsome” mean?
The word “fearsome” means frightening, especially in appearance or reputation. In plain terms, scary or intimidating, often because of size, power, or reputation.
How do you pronounce “fearsome”?
“Fearsome” is pronounced FIHR-suhm (/ˈfɪɹsəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “fearsome” in a sentence?
Here is “fearsome” used in a sentence: “The castle was guarded by a fearsome-looking dragon statue.”
What part of speech is “fearsome”?
“Fearsome” is an adjective.

Featured in

People also searched