One of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
Synonyms of formidable in English:
formidable
See definition of formidable
adjective
1‘every man wore a formidable curved dagger’
intimidating, forbidding, redoubtable, daunting, alarming, frightening, terrifying, petrifying, horrifying, chilling, disturbing, disquieting, dreadful, brooding, awesome, fearsome, ominous, foreboding, sinister, menacing, mean-looking, threatening, dangerous
informal spooky, scary, creepy
archaic direful, bodeful
pleasant-looking, comforting
2‘they face a formidable task’
onerous, arduous, taxing, difficult, hard, heavy, laborious, burdensome, strenuous, vigorous, back-breaking, stiff, uphill, relentless, Herculean, monumental, colossal
demanding, trying, tough, challenging, exacting, overwhelming
exhausting, wearying, fatiguing, tiring, punishing, gruelling, grinding
informal killing, no picnic
British informal knackering
rare toilsome, exigent
easy
3‘a formidable opponent’
capable, able, proficient, adept, adroit, accomplished
impressive, strong, powerful, mighty, terrific, tremendous, great, redoubtable, indomitable, invincible
seasoned, skilful, skilled, gifted, talented, masterly, virtuoso, expert, knowledgeable, qualified, trained
efficient, good, excellent, brilliant, outstanding, first-class, first-rate
informal mean, wicked, deadly, nifty, crack, ace, stellar, wizard, magic
North American informal crackerjack, badass
vulgar slang shit-hot
archaic, humorous compleat
rare habile
weak