as in to scare
to strike with fear
around the campfire the campers tried to frighten one another with ghostly legends and grisly tales
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in terrifying
causing fear
a truly frightening movie
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in scaring
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 frighten
Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
What specifically frightens you?
—Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 15 Sep. 2025
Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
The steaks cost about $40, compared to a frightening $60-$70 at chain restaurants.
—Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
Instances of swatting have been plaguing the nation for years, with fake shooting threats frightening the public and forcing schools, hospitals, grocery stores, office buildings, and airports into temporary lockdowns.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frighten
Verb
Her collectedness collapses as Johnson turns the joke into a physical act-out, becoming almost insulted that this earthquake dared to frighten her.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
What specifically frightens you?
—Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Then, at the outset of the trip, came the frightening conversation in the park.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
The steaks cost about $40, compared to a frightening $60-$70 at chain restaurants.
—Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
Kids will love sending this Dilophosaurus sauntering across the floor, frightening everything and everyone in his path.
—Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
Instances of swatting have been plaguing the nation for years, with fake shooting threats frightening the public and forcing schools, hospitals, grocery stores, office buildings, and airports into temporary lockdowns.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for frighten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frighten
Adjective
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The home of Red October used to be a terrifying place for opponents this time of year.—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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With an all-star cast featuring Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, and Rachel Sennott, Bodies is a terrifying and darkly atmospheric ride that could become a new classic.—
Samantha Allen,
Them.,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Keontez Lewis left Saturday’s game against Kent State early after suffering a scary injury while attempting to make a catch.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
8 Oct. 2025
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Does your child find Halloween super scary?—
Ellen Sturm Niz,
Parents,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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If the past offers any guide, however, Havana will instead continue to rely on its formidable security apparatus to repress is citizens, while privatizing in ways that do not threaten the power and privileges of the elite.—
Joseph J. Gonzalez,
The Conversation,
3 Oct. 2025
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The West will be formidable, as multiple teams could make their mark this season.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While that might be great for the profitability in real estate, in consumer goods and apparel, that’s horrible.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Oct. 2025
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In the past, the Soviet Union had a horrible impact on Georgian wine.—
Jessica Jungbauer,
Vogue,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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That's a terrible average to bet your life on.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
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When his estranged daughter Sam tracks him down, in a last-ditch effort to dig her way out of serious trouble, Mickey must choose between rekindling his relationship with his daughter in the face of a terrible tragedy or pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Being less direct and formal can help prevent your kid putting a wall up — as can chatting during car rides since not being face-to-face can feel less intimidating for them.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
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The San Francisco 49ers began the year with one of the more intimidating defensive fronts in the NFL.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Frighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frighten. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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