Synonyms of scaring

scaring

verb

present participle of scare

as in frightening

to strike with fear

thunderstorms have always scared her

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frightening
• terrifying
• spooking
• startling
• terrorizing
• panicking
• shaking
• shocking
• horrifying
• scarifying
• alarming
• affrighting
• frighting
• worrying
• distracting
• appalling
• amazing
• giving one the creeps
• jolting
• making one's flesh creep
• disturbing
• upsetting
• astounding
• shaking up
• dismaying
• distressing
• unnerving
• emasculating
• awing
• unsettling
• daunting
• disconcerting
• bowling over
• perturbing
• discomforting
• disquieting
• demoralizing
• undoing
• dispiriting
• chilling
• psyching (out)
• flooring
• discomposing
• unmanning
• unstringing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassuring
• assuring
• cheering
• comforting
• soothing
• consoling
• encouraging
• inspiring
• solacing
• emboldening
• steeling
• heartening

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scaring

Together the duo enjoy scaring themselves into a teeth-chattering but delightful evening. — Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026

Universal announced that Nikki, the character Navarrette plays in Obsession was going to roam all of Horror Nights, scaring people and taking photos like Art the Clown, Dracula, and the Weeknd in years past. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026

Such actions are scaring people away from coming to court, whether as witnesses, defendants or observers, Bonta said, and amount to a blatant abuse of power. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026

The Longhorns aren't scaring anyone on offense and Sarkisian has come under fire for his play calling. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

In addition to scaring the bejesus out of Hamlet and demanding blood, the ghost informs the audience exactly how the murder occurred. — Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026

Halloween Horror Nights are still scaring visitors to Universal Studios Hollywood, but the park is already making holiday plans. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

But the story went on scaring people for many years afterward, and is probably still sending chills down more than a few spines today. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

Although the pace of home sales have remained largely unchanged this year compared to last year, according to NAR data through August, there are some signs that higher mortgage rates have started scaring off some buyers. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026