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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Recent Examples of frighten
Several critics said the legislation introduces too many unknowns, adding that with the artificial intelligence legislation also under consideration, Connecticut is moving towards regulations that could frighten companies looking to grow in the state.
—
P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
Lee Cronin was both flattered and frightened when Jason Blum suggested titling his The Mummy reimagining as Lee Cronin’s The Mummy.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2026
There’s no surefire way to frighten bees and other stinger pollinators from your home, but there are ways to make your living space less attractive to them.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 7 Apr. 2026
When to see a doctor Ashamalla stressed that people shouldn’t be frightened by every ache or pain.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frighten
P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
Lee Cronin was both flattered and frightened when Jason Blum suggested titling his The Mummy reimagining as Lee Cronin’s The Mummy.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2026
There’s no surefire way to frighten bees and other stinger pollinators from your home, but there are ways to make your living space less attractive to them.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 7 Apr. 2026
When to see a doctor Ashamalla stressed that people shouldn’t be frightened by every ache or pain.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frighten
Verb
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Don’t let the Frito pie flavor scare you away — Salt & Straw ice cream is known for its richness, packed with as much butter-fat content as possible — similar to Melt.—
Ella Gonzales
May 15,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 May 2026
-
Over-regulating could scare more insurers away; under-regulating could inflate prices even more.—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Facing the endless Cylon onslaught in the void of space is terrifying even in 2D battles, but many of Scattered Hopes' gut punches happen during unexpected narrative events or tough choices that doom entire ship populations.—
Ian Stokes,
Space.com,
15 May 2026
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The phenomenon of lynching has always fascinated and terrified me, whether physical or mediated.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
Verb
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On one occasion, a suckerfish was captured disappearing into a manta ray's backside after a diver swimming nearby appeared to startle it.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
-
Avoid sudden movements or noises, which can startle animals.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Many Democrats, spooked by the prospect of their party being frozen out in June’s top-two primary, have been clinging to their ballots, intending to vote at the last moment for whichever Democrat appears likeliest to finish first.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
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Use line in the two- to four-pound class to avoid spooking extremely wary fish and to permit the minnows swimming freedom.—
John Phillips,
Outdoor Life,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Frighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frighten. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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