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Definition of scaremonger

scaremonger

/ˈskɛrˌmʌŋ.ɡɚ/
scare · mon · ger
Plural:scaremongers
•
Adjective:scaremongering
•
Past Simple:scaremongered
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Past Participle:scaremongered
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Present Participle:scaremongering
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scaremonger Lexical Profile

scaremonger Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who spreads frightening or exaggerated rumors and reports in order to provoke public alarm or panic.

Example

"Critics dismissed the commentator as a cynical scaremonger trying to boost ratings with sensationalist claims."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

To spread frightening or exaggerated rumors and reports intentionally to arouse public fear or anxiety.

Example

"Health officials urged the media to report the facts calmly rather than scaremonger about the new virus strain."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for scaremonger

• Nearby Words

scarecrow
scared
scaredy
scaremonger
scaremongering
scarer
scarf

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 19th century by combining 'scare' with 'monger' (from Old English 'mangere', meaning merchant or trader), which had come to denote someone who peddles something discreditable.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scaremonger. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scaremonger
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