formidable

adjective

for·mi·da·ble | \ ˈfȯr-mə-də-bəl

; fȯr-ˈmi-, fər-ˈmi-

Definition of formidable

1 : causing fear, dread, or apprehension a formidable prospect

2 : having qualities that discourage approach or attack a formidable opponent

3 : tending to inspire awe or wonder : impressive a formidable accomplishment

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Other Words from formidable

formidability \ ˌfȯr-mə-də-ˈbi-lə-tē

; fȯr-ˌmi- , fər-ˌmi- \ noun

formidableness \ ˈfȯr-mə-də-bəl-nəs

; fȯr-ˈmi- , fər-ˈmi- \ noun

formidably \ ˈfȯr-mə-də-blē

; fȯr-ˈmi- , fər-ˈmi- \ adverb

Examples of formidable in a Sentence

She was known throughout Manchester as a formidable woman, and being educated had only piled more formidability on top of what she had been born with. — Edward P. Jones, The Known World, 2003 The technology was formidable: using two and a half million rivets, 300 steeplejacks working flat out would run it up in the space of two years … — Alistair Horne, Seven Ages of Paris, 2002

Recent Examples on the Web

And with Stefanie Dolson continuing to put in work, this Chicago lineup looks incredibly formidable, especially on the offensive end. — Kellen Becoats, SI.com, "Finding the Sky’s Limit: Just How Good Is Chicago as the Postseason Approaches?," 27 Aug. 2019 But his once-formidable lead has shrunk, and the question remains about how much of his advantage merely reflects name recognition for a man who has been in the public eye for more than four decades. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, "The promise and peril of Joe Biden’s front-runner campaign," 26 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'formidable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for formidable

formidable

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of formidable

: very powerful or strong : deserving serious attention and respect

: very difficult to deal with

: large or impressive in size or amount

See the full definition for formidable in the English Language Learners Dictionary

formidable

adjective

for·mi·da·ble | \ ˈfȯr-mə-də-bəl

Kids Definition of formidable

1 : causing fear or awe a formidable enemy

2 : offering serious difficulties a formidable task

3 : large or impressive in size or extent a formidable waterfall

formidable

Definition of formidable

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Synonyms for formidable

Examples of formidable in a Sentence

First Known Use of formidable

History and Etymology for formidable

English Language Learners Definition of formidable

Kids Definition of formidable

formidable

Definition of formidable

Other Words from formidable

Synonyms for formidable

Examples of formidable in a Sentence

First Known Use of formidable

History and Etymology for formidable

English Language Learners Definition of formidable

Kids Definition of formidable

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