Synonyms for

Scare

Verb / sker / Another word for scare — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To frighten or make someone afraid.

Synonyms & similar words

panicattack affright panic dash fright scareoff frighten frightenoff frightenaway daunt scareaway pall frighten terrify alarm startle spook unsettle daunt intimidate petrify shock horrify dismay appall astonish surprise deter discourage dishearten dispirit unman

Synonyms by register

Formal

frighten alarm intimidate terrify

Informal

spook freak out petrify give someone the creeps

Literary

appall affright daunt

Antonyms

comfort reassure calm soothe encourage brave

Common collocations

  • scare the life out of someone
  • scare someone to death
  • scare tactics
  • scare away
  • scare off
  • scare up
  • scare the pants off someone

Word family

noun scare
verb scare
adjective scary
adverb scarily

Usage note

While 'scare' can be used for mild apprehension, it often implies a sudden and intense feeling of fear. Be mindful of the intensity when choosing synonyms.

Example sentences

  1. The loud noise scared the cat.
  2. I don't want to scare you, but there might be a monster under your bed.
  3. I always try to scare my little brother on Halloween.
  4. The horror movie was so scary that I couldn't sleep.
  5. The haunted house was designed to scare people.

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