as in afraid
filled with fear or dread
I am frightened of the dark
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in scared
to strike with fear
around the campfire the campers tried to frighten one another with ghostly legends and grisly tales
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of frightened
Susan Tompor, USA Today, 30 July 2025
More than 25,000 onlookers came to see the whale over the next few days, but when a thunderstorm erupted on July 5, the whale became frightened.
—Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Many people may be intrinsically frightened of robots.
—Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
If the cat remains frightened and timid, talk to your vet about medications that might help.
—Joan Morris, Mercury News, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for frightened
Adjective
Not surprisingly, the woman being targeted by the scams was extremely frightened.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 30 July 2025
More than 25,000 onlookers came to see the whale over the next few days, but when a thunderstorm erupted on July 5, the whale became frightened.
—Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Many people may be intrinsically frightened of robots.
—Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
If the cat remains frightened and timid, talk to your vet about medications that might help.
—Joan Morris, Mercury News, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for frightened
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frightened
Adjective
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Make sure to water regularly, especially in warmer months, and don’t be afraid to switch out plants seasonally to keep your containers fresh.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Aug. 2025
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Don’t be afraid to give your rooms multiple purposes Take advantage of the various nooks and crannies in your home.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The movie sees the revival of arch-villain Feathers McGraw, who terrified kids in 1993’s The Wrong Trousers.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
23 Dec. 2024
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My Hugo would chase it and bark at it, or he'd be terrified.—
Benedict Cosgrove,
Newsweek,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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When a United Airlines flight issued a mayday call shortly after departure, passengers onboard were doubtlessly scared.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
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Ball also claimed in the new interview that Anne, now 74, was not scared of him.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Thus, there’s little sense in getting spooked in the pre-Christmas months; when ad rates are negligible, the cost of doling out any necessary audience deficiency units isn’t exactly going to break the bank.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
27 Dec. 2024
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The points deductions given to Everton and Nottingham Forest last season seem to have also spooked clubs into being extra cautious around PSR.—
Patrick Boyland,
The Athletic,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Now less alarmed and more reflective, Alaina sees the letters as relics of the house's strange past.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 July 2025
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But before the deal was finalized, council members grew alarmed that the company did not seem to have the necessary equipment or subcontracts in place as Super Bowl LIX and the annual Mardi Gras celebrations loomed.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
25 July 2025
Verb
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The Context The incident is the latest in series of high-profile crimes on New York subway trains that have shocked the city.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
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Subway Violence Meanwhile, the incident is the latest in a series of high-profile crimes on New York subway trains that have shocked the city.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Overwhelmed and fearful of her future, Milena disappears.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
4 Aug. 2025
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Guerrero kept his concerns about Mejia quiet for a time, fearful he could be fired from his job or even prosecuted.—
Bianca Moreno-Paz,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Frightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frightened. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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