formidable
Hard to overcome
Formidable describes something that inspires fear, respect, or dread through its power, size, or difficulty.
A formidable opponent is one you'd rather not face.
A formidable challenge tests your limits.
A formidable intellect commands respect.
The word carries admiration alongside apprehension—what's formidable is impressive precisely because it's daunting: She built a formidable reputation in the courtroom.
Evoking extreme fear
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- frighteningInspiring terror or alarm
- intimidatingInspiring fear or unease
- threateningExpressing intent to harm
alarming · dreadful · spine-chilling · monstrous · petrifying · nightmarish · bloodcurdling · horrific
Demanding strenuous effort
- difficultRequiring much effort
- toughDurable and strong
- demandingRequiring great effort
- gruelingExtremely tiring and demanding
laborious · strenuous · taxing · rigorous · exacting · onerous · testing · knotty
Having great power
- dominantHaving superior influence
- potentHaving great effect
- influentialHaving considerable effect
- authoritativeHaving recognized expertise
commanding · robust · vigorous · forceful · strong · invincible · indomitable · unconquerable
Refusing to give way
- austereSeverely simple and unadorned
- strictRigorous, without flexibility
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
- inflexibleUnable to bend
rigid · severe · grim · uncompromising · forbidding · steely · stony · imposing
Exceptionally beautiful or impressive
- remarkableWorthy of attention
- extraordinaryBeyond what's typical
- phenomenalExceptionally impressive or unusual
- incredibleDefying easy belief
stunning · awe-inspiring · breathtaking · majestic · spectacular · striking · distinguished · eminent
terrifying
Evoking extreme fear
- menacingConveying threat or danger
- frighteningInspiring terror or alarm
- intimidatingInspiring fear or unease
threatening · alarming · dreadful · spine-chilling · monstrous · petrifying · nightmarish · bloodcurdling · horrific · scary
arduous
Demanding strenuous effort
grueling · laborious · strenuous · taxing · rigorous · exacting · onerous · testing · knotty · thorny
mighty
Having great power
- dominantHaving superior influence
- potentHaving great effect
- influentialHaving considerable effect
authoritative · commanding · robust · vigorous · forceful · strong · invincible · indomitable · unconquerable · overwhelming
unyielding
Refusing to give way
- austereSeverely simple and unadorned
- strictRigorous, without flexibility
- harshUnpleasantly severe or rough
inflexible · rigid · severe · grim · uncompromising · forbidding · steely · stony · imposing · humorless
magnificent
Exceptionally beautiful or impressive
- remarkableWorthy of attention
- extraordinaryBeyond what's typical
- phenomenalExceptionally impressive or unusual
incredible · stunning · awe-inspiring · breathtaking · majestic · spectacular · striking · distinguished · eminent · illustrious
- powerauthority, electric power, nuclear power, solar power, wind power
- difficultyeasy, hard, medium, difficult, moderate
- fearfear, dread, afraid, fright, frightened
- menacingthreatening, intimidating, menacing, ominous, sinister
- Spanish adjectivesbueno, excelente, terrible, superior, inferior
- strength wordsstrong, powerful, mighty, potent, robust
formidableweak
Lacking power or force
feeble · powerless · puny · impotent · ineffectual
formidableharmless
Causing no injury
nonthreatening · unthreatening · reassuring · friendly · comforting
formidableeasy
Requiring minimal effort
effortless · simple · trivial · undemanding · manageable