scared

adjective

ˈskerd 

: thrown into or being in a state of fear, fright, or panic

scared of snakes

scared to go out

Synonyms of scared

• afraid
• frightened
• terrified
• horrified
• shocked
• fearful

Examples of scared in a Sentence

I am really scared about speaking in front of the class.

He was scared that his mother wouldn't let him go to the movies with his friends.

She's scared to walk alone at night.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ten years later, China is still running scared of the decision. — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026

The vehicle’s unorthodox design may be the object of ridicule online, but that doesn’t seem to have scared buyers away—yet. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 30 July 2026

Some were without water or electricity, while others were scared to sleep indoors. — ABC News, 30 July 2026

Football is a physical sport, one where an athlete can’t play scared, timid, being cautious, and needs to give his all on every snap. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing scared

• get scared
• scared/frightened the dickens
• scared stiff
• scared to death

Rhymes for scared

• compared
• declared
• despaired
• ensnared
• impaired
• prepared
• repaired
• unpaired
• unshared
• aired
• bared
• blared