Synonyms of scarednext
: thrown into or being in a state of fear, fright, or panic
scared of snakes
scared to go out

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The birds were scared away by a resident’s dog. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2026 As Hodges stood there, scared and vulnerable, the man grabbed his baton and bashed him on the head with it, rupturing his lip and smashing his skull. Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026 People in those days were scared, and rightfully so. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 Somali restaurants and coffee shops that once bustled with patrons were nearly empty last week and people are scared to show up to their jobs. Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scared

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scared was in 1579

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Cite this Entry

“Scared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scared. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.

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