frightened 1 of 2

adjective

ˈfrī-tᵊnd How to pronounce frightened (audio)
Definition of frightenednext
as in afraid
filled with fear or dread I am frightened of the dark

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

frightened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of frighten
as in scared
to strike with fear around the campfire the campers tried to frighten one another with ghostly legends and grisly tales

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 frightened
Adjective
As a result, he’s ordered to attend an acting class, where students are instructed how to soften interactions with variously angry, frightened or confused patients. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025 Why do so many people love to be frightened and unnerved? — Jeremy Engle, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 But can dogs actually be frightened of heights like some humans? — Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 The expressions on these youthful figures are intent and heartfelt: obedient, frightened, absorbed, wary, withdrawn, cruel, proud, sly, or shy. — Michael Bracewell, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frightened
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frightened
  1. afraid
  2. terrified
  3. scared
  4. spooked
  5. alarmed
  6. shocked
  7. fearful
Adjective
  • His untraditional views attracted the attention of health journalists eager to hear more about the quick-talking, engaging surgeon who wasn’t afraid of discussing such unprecedented strategies.
    — Alice Park, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Go Dark Don't be afraid to add bits of gothic drama to bring a moody, mysterious sense to your home.
    — Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of afraid
Verb
  • The movie sees the revival of arch-villain Feathers McGraw, who terrified kids in 1993’s The Wrong Trousers.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 Dec. 2024
  • My Hugo would chase it and bark at it, or he'd be terrified.
    — Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Definition of terrified
Adjective
  • And people who are scared are less likely to want to stay here.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
  • For people fresh out of school, my advice as a lawyer is, don’t be scared to seek counsel but above all, don’t be scared to ask for things.
    — Joelle Diderich, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of scared
Verb
  • Thus, there’s little sense in getting spooked in the pre-Christmas months; when ad rates are negligible, the cost of doling out any necessary audience deficiency units isn’t exactly going to break the bank.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Dec. 2024
  • The points deductions given to Everton and Nottingham Forest last season seem to have also spooked clubs into being extra cautious around PSR.
    — Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Definition of spooked
Adjective
  • For others, the reaction may range from being confused, to downright alarmed.
    — Oyku Ilgar, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • In addition to league warnings, an alarmed FBI also announced a nationwide crackdown aimed at identifying the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
    — Chelsea Bailey and Josh Campbell, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025
Definition of alarmed
Verb
  • The Context The incident is the latest in series of high-profile crimes on New York subway trains that have shocked the city.
    — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
  • And the art world is no different — some artists are using it to help generate work, and others are shocked by its capabilities.
    — Lucy Handley, CNBC, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of shocked
Adjective
  • The first grooming session left her dog fearful and anxious, which is common among canines.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Morale inside the agency has plummeted, and retirees are growing fearful that the system might start faltering in getting checks out.
    — Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of fearful

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Cite this Entry

“Frightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frightened. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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