as in afraid
filled with fear or dread
I am frightened of the dark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 frightened
Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2025
The painting includes portraits of two children, one with wide-open, frightened eyes and the other with eyes closed, somberly sipping on a bottle of Coca-Cola.
—Hung Duong, Artforum, 18 June 2025
Without a deal, Iran’s frightened government seems more likely than not to sprint for nuclear weapons as conditions allow.
—Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
The continued clashes, amplified by sparring on X between Trump and California officials, left many Angelenos angered, frightened and confused.
—Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for frightened
Adjective
Things were hectic in the mall, Stain, 45, said, with lots of frightened people running to the exits.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2025
The painting includes portraits of two children, one with wide-open, frightened eyes and the other with eyes closed, somberly sipping on a bottle of Coca-Cola.
—Hung Duong, Artforum, 18 June 2025
Without a deal, Iran’s frightened government seems more likely than not to sprint for nuclear weapons as conditions allow.
—Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 16 June 2025
The continued clashes, amplified by sparring on X between Trump and California officials, left many Angelenos angered, frightened and confused.
—Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for frightened
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frightened
Adjective
-
The premise is that America is caught in a bind between a political left that’s too afraid of growth and a political right that hates government investment and involvement.—
Scott Peters,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 July 2025
-
The revelation helps explain why the giant snakes — which can grow to 18 feet in Florida — are not afraid to swallow creatures that are nearly equal in size, experts say.—
Mark Price
July 11,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
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
-
My Hugo would chase it and bark at it, or he'd be terrified.—
Benedict Cosgrove,
Newsweek,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
There’s people that are getting into trouble because the powers that be are scared, too.—
Mario Koran,
jsonline.com,
12 July 2025
-
Most notable in the repeat of Man of Steel elements and themes, there’s the Kryptonian message threatening earth, which makes the public scared, so Superman turns himself in to government authorities.—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Some comments under the video show viewers spooked by the scene, weighing in on whether the leg movement was a result of some kind of paranormal intervention or not.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Still, Russia is genuinely alarmed at the prospect of US weapons, even defensive Patriot missile defense systems, flowing back into Ukraine.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
15 July 2025
-
The reactions on social media were swift and alarmed.—
Heather Hunter,
The Washington Examiner,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
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
-
And the art world is no different — some artists are using it to help generate work, and others are shocked by its capabilities.—
Lucy Handley,
CNBC,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
After raids on California farms in June, some crops have been left unharvested, with farm operators fearful of more crackdowns to come.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
-
Red flags might also include your child avoiding school or seeming fearful.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Frightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frightened. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share