Redoubtable
adj.capable, resilientliterary
What it means
Inspiring respect, and sometimes apprehension, through formidable ability or character.
Reach for it when praising proven strength in elevated language
The redoubtable advocate mastered every detail of the housing case.
Choose between these
6- playful
fearsome
opponents genuinely dread the person
not when Fearsome is less complimentary.
- everyday
achievement merits broad praise
not when Impressive lacks toughness.
- warm
dependable courage is central
not when Stalwart is reassuring rather than daunting.
- formal
presence and authority dominate
not when Commanding does not prove resilience.
- formal
ability commands serious respect
not when Formidable may feel threatening.
- literary
resolve cannot easily be defeated
not when Indomitable concerns persistence, not skill.
Said against
3- feeble
- unimpressive
- timid
It naturally appears in
3- redoubtable opponent
The redoubtable opponent had won four straight finals.
- redoubtable campaigner
A redoubtable campaigner secured the library's future.
- redoubtable reputation
Her redoubtable reputation preceded her into negotiations.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English adjective sense: formidable and worthy of respect opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.