FRIGHTEN Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

frighten

verb

ˈfrī-tᵊn

Definition of frighten

as in to scare

to strike with fear around the campfire the campers tried to frighten one another with ghostly legends and grisly tales

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of frighten Diego Gomez is a stop-gap alternative, but Mitoma remains a key figure who frightens opposing defences with his dribbling speed and influential record in the top flight. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Before signing off, the teenager thanks her — the exchange calmed her down after Google search results frightened her. — Jennifer Karlin, STAT, 11 Aug. 2026 Taylor contends the company welcomes more FDA scrutiny, and cautions against letting the outbreak frighten consumers away from eating fresh fruits and vegetables. — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Studios that let a government inquiry frighten them into caution are not managing risk. — Christopher Racster, IndieWire, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for frighten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frighten

Verb

Smaller payouts scare off potential investors, meaning promising treatments are often left on a shelf.

— Brad Quick, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Historians say the horns may have been blown to scare evil spirits, to proclaim victories, or as a way to encourage divine mercy.

— Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of scare

Verb

Jaylen Edgar, the teenager tried for the 2024 Halloween mass shooting in downtown Orlando that killed two, injured several others and terrified thousands, was found guilty of all charges Monday.

— Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
For Thomas, unpacking what went wrong goes well beyond the headless bodies, terrifying phone calls and dead ends.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of terrify

Verb

This horror movie mostly just smelled of fake fog from a community theater production and occasionally you were startled by random bursts of air, once again pulling you from the events on screen.

— Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Of those who were injured, officials said that many were hurt while falling down or hitting themselves against furniture after being startled by the earthquake while sleeping.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of startle

Verb

Industry insiders are worried that intensified scrutiny from state regulators — like those of California, who are leading the antitrust lawsuit over the Paramount-WBD deal — could spook other companies considering mergers or acquisitions.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Ukraine’s neighbors are on alert Russia’s relentless onslaught has spooked other European countries, especially those bordering Ukraine, which fear spreading attacks from Moscow.

— Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of spook

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frighted

frighten

frightened

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“Frighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frighten. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of frighten

verb

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