Search Dictionary
Definition of scaremongering

scaremongering

/ˈskerˌmʌŋ.ɡɚ.ɪŋ/
scare · mon · ger · ing
JUMP TO:

scaremongering Lexical Profile

scaremongering Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The practice of spreading frightening or ominous reports and rumors, often exaggerated or unfounded, to arouse public fear.

Example

"Health officials urged the public to rely on scientific data rather than giving in to political scaremongering."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for scaremongering
Antonyms
View all antonyms for scaremongering

• adjective

1

Spreading or intended to spread exaggerated or unfounded fears and rumors.

Example

"Critics dismissed the tabloid's front-page article as a piece of scaremongering journalism."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for scaremongering
Antonyms
View all antonyms for scaremongering

• Rhymes for scaremongering

• Nearby Words

scared
scaredy
scaremonger
scaremongering
scarer
scarf
scarface

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 19th century as a compound of "scare" and "monger" (from Old English mangere, meaning a merchant or trader), which came to be used pejoratively for someone who promotes something undesirable.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scaremongering. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scaremongering
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.