as in to frighten
to strike with fear
thunderstorms have always scared her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
His home’s security system was triggered and reportedly scared off the burglar, and nothing was stolen from the property.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
Hands down, this is his best work in the franchise so far, delivering scares, dramatic gravitas, and emotional weight that serve as a fitting conclusion for the Warrens and this corner of the cinematic universe.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scare
Verb
Today he’s frustrated by false rumors about immigration enforcement at the mall that are scaring many would-be customers.
—Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
His home’s security system was triggered and reportedly scared off the burglar, and nothing was stolen from the property.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
Despite his health scares, the online personality gained a healthy following of fans that included famous figures like fellow reality star Joseline Hernandez and Cardi B.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025
Hands down, this is his best work in the franchise so far, delivering scares, dramatic gravitas, and emotional weight that serve as a fitting conclusion for the Warrens and this corner of the cinematic universe.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scare
Verb
-
Judy Hernandez’ husband Raul, a co-founder of the community group the Resurrection Project, dismissed those plans as a political stunt geared to create fear and frighten Spanish-speaking people.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Many of us are conditioned to think that our ultimate goal in life is to be with someone, so much so, that the mere thought of being alone frightens us.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The shocking attack at Minneapolis’ Annunciation Church again raises familiar questions and fears about safety in houses of worship.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
-
According to Bautch, several neighbors have expressed fear of the merger, sharing concerns that the resources Clarke Square neighbors currently receive through CSNI will dwindle if the neighborhood is integrated under VIA CDC’s umbrella.—
Alyssa N. Salcedo,
jsonline.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Historically start-ups were terrified of anyone outside their immediate organization learning the secrets of their innovations for fear they’d be copied.—
Michelle Greenwald,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
-
People were terrified about dealing with the fact that two people were ending their lives.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
At the council meeting for the resolution, several migrants and their families spoke in favor of its passage, expressing their anxieties in day-to-day life, according to The Chronicle.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The starting point is learning to cultivate present-moment awareness and simply noticing your anxiety.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The cars are startled by a ghost car named Brenda (a perfectly imperfect name), who introduces them to other friendly ghost vehicles, most of whom have experienced deadly crashes and now honk funny.—
Sloane Crosley,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
-
This technique often is used with fencing to create a visual barrier and to startle geese when the tape shimmers in the breeze.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In 2022, then UK Prime Minister Liz Truss unleashed a wave of market panic with unfunded tax cuts that forced the Bank of England into emergency action after 30-year gilt yields soared by over 100 basis points.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Rebecca Ferguson stars as Captain Olivia Walker, a senior White House official tasked with keeping the government functioning as panic sets in, while Idris Elba plays a top national security adviser who must balance strategy with morality.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scare. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share