Formidable
What it means
Inspiring respect through strength, skill, or ability.
Reach for it when praising strength or skill impressive enough to command respect
The formidable advocate arrived with evidence from every district.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm |
|
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
daunting
Fits when the subject presents a serious challenge
Careful Daunting describes the observer's fear, not admirable ability.
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everyday
Fits when ability or scale deserves broad praise
Careful Impressive is milder and need not imply challenge.
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warm
Fits when developed skill and achievement matter
Careful Accomplished lacks formidable intensity.
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professional
Fits when capacity to cause change is central
Careful Power may intimidate without demonstrating skill.
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formal
Fits when presence or authority dominates attention
Careful Commanding can imply control rather than competence.
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literary
Fits when proven strength deserves elevated respect
Careful Redoubtable is rare and sounds martial.
Opposites 3
- weak
- ineffectual
- unimpressive
Common phrases 3
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formidable opponent
She was a formidable opponent in the final.
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formidable skill
His formidable skill steadied the rescue.
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formidable advocate
A formidable advocate arrived with evidence.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, public domain Updated