panicked 1 of 2

panicked

2 of 2

verb

past tense of panic

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 panicked
Adjective
People are logically panicked about their jobs being replaced by machines, just like the men who destroyed factories and left notes from the fictional Ned Ludd, thereby launching the Luddite movement. Pat Gelsinger, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026 In the panicked days after the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil, New Yorkers agreed that their city had changed forever. Hannah Natanson, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2026 Frustrated and slightly panicked, Hannah explains that this has happened before and wonders if she’s broken. Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026 At least 22 people were killed and many injured when a fire tore through a crowded wedding in a Kinshasa neighborhood hall, as panicked guests jammed narrow corridors to escape. Saleh Mwanamilongo, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 But, when those approaches proved unsuccessful, Glasner was of the view that Forest would not benefit from doing panicked deals. Paul Taylor, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 Expert says Putin ‘panicked’ as Ukraine’s deep strikes push war further into Russia. FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Herlacher braved the falling debris and panicked people running through the streets to help her and was horrified to find the fragment had cut through her back. ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2026 That, combined with a nearly immobilizing back injury and a relationship turned toxic, left me feeling panicked. The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
Manchester United, panicked into needing a wide player, held conversations over a loan. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Like a klutz on an obstacle course, a Tesla Robotaxi with no safety driver seemingly panicked after taking a wrong turn and plowed through a row of bollards, those springy traffic barriers that you are not supposed to run down. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 19 Aug. 2026 In 2013, pilgrims attending a Hindu festival at a temple in the central state of Madhya Pradesh panicked amid fears that a bridge would collapse. ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 With no agent or manager, the good news panicked Wydra, but thankfully Balfe contacted her team to help her friend. Reshma Gopaldas, IndieWire, 10 Aug. 2026 During the test drive, Lawgalet experienced the deceleration caused from regenerative braking, panicked and decided to return to the dealership after being surprised by the sensation. Charles Singh, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 Within two weeks, later symptoms may include anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, being very thirsty but panicked by fluids, having lots of saliva and aggressive behavior like thrashing and biting. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2026 In Orange County, an email landed in attorney Sabrina Rivera’s inbox in April, from a Colorado man panicked about the status of his immigration case. Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 The interviewer visibly panicked, and fans all over social media went bananas — jokes about Lacy’s impending assassination at the hands of Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige abounded. Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panicked
Adjective
  • The hardest part about it might be dealing with panicky Cubs fans in a pennant race.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
  • As if Wendy’s hands, heart and day planner weren’t full enough, a panicky Jack determines to win her back, much to her torment.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Last Friday, the artist Pink published a lengthy criticism of Macklemore’s on-stage polemic, writing that his comments and use of violent wartime imagery had frightened many Jewish people, including her.
    Caitlin Dewey, Vox, 16 Sep. 2026
  • However, Stone told Bialik that she was not frightened by the encounter.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Teams — worried about how a politically defiant Black quarterback on the roster would impact their bottom lines — over the next several seasons signed dozens of inferior quarterbacks to round out their depth charts.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Los Angeles’ identity and workers’ livelihoods are at stake, say worried residents who fear that Paramount will leave the state.
    Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Russell’s previous things, HBO put money into, but the whole anti-DEI crusade has meant that a subject matter like this has made American companies scared to invest in it.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Researchers knew part of what scared children on 9/11 were the loud sirens and the fact that trusted figures such as firefighters and police officers were hurt.
    Julie Dobrow, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The council couldn’t ignore it because so many people were upset.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
  • According to RadarOnline, some are upset that Spencer is looking to reopen old wounds at such a complicated time for Charles.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Elizabeth Pizzo was terrified earlier this year about what would happen to her son.
    Jim DeFede, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Elizabeth Pizzo was terrified this year about what would happen to her son.
    Jim DeFede, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Fleet operators acknowledged that some drivers have been apprehensive to make the leap to zero-emission trucks because the technology is new and charging can be a challenge.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Wayne Davis, a 69, is a year old security officer from Sacramento who remained apprehensive with his eyes peeled in all directions.
    Matthew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Their approach startled the predator, who took off with the mother godwit in its claws.
    Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
  • While holding Gnocchi, a large street cleaning truck whipped down the street and startled him into clawing away.
    Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Panicked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panicked. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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