as in afraid
filled with fear or dread
I am frightened of the dark
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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The expressions on these youthful figures are intent and heartfelt: obedient, frightened, absorbed, wary, withdrawn, cruel, proud, sly, or shy.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
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The expressions on these youthful figures are intent and heartfelt: obedient, frightened, absorbed, wary, withdrawn, cruel, proud, sly, or shy.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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Cite this Entry
“Frightened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frightened. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share