as in afraid
filled with fear or dread
at the sight of the grizzly bear he froze, being too scared to even run away
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in frightened
to strike with fear
thunderstorms have always scared her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scared
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
In many cases, people deported leave behind family members who may be too young or scared to speak because of their own undocumented status.
—Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Apr. 2026
But nothing scared her more than 'Carolina Caroline'—a love story.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scared
Adjective
And there’s a whole host of reasons why these professionals, who clock in to perform the same duties everyday, could be scared of getting the boot.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
In many cases, people deported leave behind family members who may be too young or scared to speak because of their own undocumented status.
—Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
There was, like, an entire science lecture about lunar eclipses as well as a history symposium on cultures scared silly over the astrological event.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Apr. 2026
But nothing scared her more than 'Carolina Caroline'—a love story.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scared
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scared
Adjective
-
Weeks later, the Flyers removed the interim tag from Briere, hired Keith Jones as team president and were officially in a rebuild — and not afraid of using the word.—
Tom Dougherty,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
This is an unsparing portrait of addiction, but isn’t afraid to show moments of joy or tenderness, or what’s cool and interesting in this particular youth culture.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
When to see a doctor Ashamalla stressed that people shouldn’t be frightened by every ache or pain.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The marsupial escaped from Sunshine Farm in Necedah, a village about 90 miles away from Madison, on March 25, after being frightened by barking dogs, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Though American Pie was all fun and games once the cameras started rolling, Shannon Elizabeth recalls being pretty terrified while trying to land a part in the hit ʼ90s comedy.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Another video, filmed inside the bus and shared on TikTok, captured the terrified screams of students who were riding the bus at the time.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Horner dropped a package, McGuire said, and was startled by the team.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Littrell walked up to the man, who appeared to be startled by the singer's presence.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
As the scene was projected onto a screen, Jude seemed slightly horrified to see himself in front of the camera rather than behind it.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
-
This little bird was a horrified little lump that just kept falling over his feet.—
Emma Forgione,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
After one bite, Chris looked shocked.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The shocked women find their voices and agree to his terms.—
Lincee Ray,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And Ahmed, with his fearful eyes and tense grimace, makes for a compellingly sad and isolated figure.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Countries as far afield as Europe have voiced worry, fearful of the risk to their economies.—
Andy Browne,
semafor.com,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scared.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scared. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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