redoubtable
adjective
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The word redoubtable is worthy of respect itself, if only for its longevity. It has been used in English for things that cause fear, dread, and apprehension since at least the 15th century and comes to us through Middle English from the Anglo-French verb reduter, meaning "to dread." That word comes ultimately from Latin dubitare, "to be in doubt" (by way of Anglo-French duter, douter, meaning "to doubt," also the source of English doubt). Things or people that are formidable and alarming can also inspire awe and even admiration, and it wasn't long before the meaning of redoubtable was extended from "formidable" to "illustrious" and "worthy of respect."
Examples of redoubtable in a Sentence
John Mariani, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
There’s a standard framing device — Baranov, retired, is interviewed in his country home by an American author (the redoubtable Jeffrey Wright).
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Low multiple tech like Bullpen name Cisco Systems or the redoubtable IBM makes sense.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 23 June 2025
The heart of the show was Berg’s performance as the redoubtable Molly, a meddler and a chatterbox but also the show’s moral heroine, a problem solver energized by the troubles of others.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for redoubtable
Cite this Entry
“Redoubtable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redoubtable. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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redoubtable
adjective
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