scare 1 of 2

verb

ˈsker How to pronounce scare (audio)
Definition of scarenext
as in to frighten
to strike with fear thunderstorms have always scared her

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

scare

2 of 2

noun

as in fear
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger fired over their heads in order to throw a scare into them

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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 scare
Verb
Spinning blades get tangled in vegetation, stir up sediment, and simply scare away the fish researchers are trying to observe. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2026 That would worry me in a more difficult matchup, but the Saints defense is not going to scare me off, especially in Detroit. — Renee Miller, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
The health scare left him temporarily paralyzed on his left side and required him to undergo brain surgery. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026 Jonathon Brooks, the Carolina Panthers running back fans love to fantasize about, gave his supporters a scare earlier this week. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scare
  1. frighten
  2. fear
  3. terrify
  4. anxiety
  5. startle
  6. panic
Verb
  • However, Stone told Bialik that she was not frightened by the encounter.
    — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The prospect of Sean Steur or Lewis Hall — whose contract situation Wilson refused to be drawn on, despite being asked three times — leaving is not something which frightens the hierarchy.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of frighten
Noun
  • Experts say cartels use car bombs to intimidate rivals and authorities, pressure the government and spread fear among civilians.
    — María Verza, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
  • At each turn, a heartbreaking picture comes into sharper focus, underscoring Ricki’s destructive appetite that exploits Rita’s deepest needs and fears under the guise of friendship and no-judgement sisterhood.
    — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of fear
Verb
  • Black Palace is set in 1888 London as an emerging tabloid media terrifies the public with lurid stories of infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Looking back on taking over a character so closely associated with Parton, Hilty once admitted that the prospect of playing Doralee with Parton watching initially terrified her.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of terrify
Noun
  • Off-camera, though, Hansen’s self-loathing and anxiety are off the charts.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Since the assault, the woman has experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, severe anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of anxiety
Verb
  • Her characters appears to startle Jeanie in one photo, clad in a chic black and gold ensemble.
    — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The unpredictable motion scares them off, startling them and throwing them off balance.
    — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of startle
Noun
  • The rattle of a bride’s gold earring or the rasp of straightener steam through a bride’s hair takes on a panic-inducingly eerie quality thanks to Marie-Clotilde Chery’s chilling sound design.
    — Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Plenkovic has accused his political opponents of fueling panic for political gain.
    — Darko Bandic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of panic

Phrases Containing scare

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scarcity
scare
scared
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Cite this Entry

“Scare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scare. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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