as in to frighten
to strike with fear
thunderstorms have always scared her
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scare
Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
The growing conflict is also drawing concern on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula, scaring away carriers that had sought to make a more regular return to the Suez Canal.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 2 Mar. 2026
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2026
There was one big scare in the game when starting goaltender John Gibson exited after the first period.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scare
Verb
Howell’s short arms might scare some people away, but his talent is too good to ignore at this point in the draft.
—Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
The growing conflict is also drawing concern on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula, scaring away carriers that had sought to make a more regular return to the Suez Canal.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
Investors who shrugged off last month’s artificial intelligence (AI) scare in the insurance sector might want to brace themselves for a reality check.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2026
There was one big scare in the game when starting goaltender John Gibson exited after the first period.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scare
Verb
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His dribbling, direct running style and finishing frighten defenders and light up the biggest stages.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The piercing sunlight frightens her.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Israeli strikes on Iranian oil fields and Iranian drone attacks elsewhere have forced production to slow or halt, while shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed over fear of vessels being targeted by Tehran.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
9 Mar. 2026
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Traders amped up bets on European Central Bank and Bank of England interest-rate hikes after soaring energy prices fueled fears inflation will surge.—
James Hirai,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But across the political divide, the bombings are terrifying for many Iranians, with civilian casualities on the rise.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
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Public testimony stretched for hours, where speakers shared concerns that the legislation could have legal repercussions, disrupt community relationships with local law enforcement and make immigrants terrified to interact with police, school or hospital staff.—
Marissa Meador,
IndyStar,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Still, the broader bond rout reflects anxiety about the global economy after crude oil surged toward $120 a barrel, up almost 80% since the Iran war began and disrupted shipments from the Middle East.—
Marcus Wong,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
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Studies have shown a correlation between heavy digital dependence and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and stress.—
Karen Garcia,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In the early hours of Sunday morning, as a bar in a busy nightlife district of Austin, Texas, prepared to close for the night, patrons and staff were startled by the sound of gunshots.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
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If hypotheticals about what could have been are a good dream for New York Knicks fans, then Mikal Bridges is the alarm clock that startles them awake.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung warned against hoarding, panic buying and collusion between refiners and gas stations.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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Traders are shunning debt as oil extends its surge past $100, triggering broad panic in Asia over commodity import costs.—
Bloomberg News,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scare. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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