Find Synonyms

frighten Synonyms

Another word for frighten

Choosing another word for frighten depends on context, so the 18 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• verb (Context 1)

To make someone feel afraid, anxious, or suddenly alarmed.

Usage Example

"The sudden clap of thunder outside the window began to scare the young puppy."

Strongest
scare
terrify
Strong
alarm
startle
spook
intimidate
panick
horrify
petrify
unnerve

• verb (Context 2)

To drive or force someone or something into or out of a specified place or state by instilling fear (usually followed by an adverb or preposition such as 'away', 'off', or 'into').

Usage Example

"The farmer set up a scarecrow in the middle of the field to scare off the birds away from the newly planted seeds."

Strongest
scare off
Strong
drive away
deter
intimidate
coerce
cow

• verb (Context 3)

To become afraid or startled (used intransitively with an adverb such as 'easily').

Usage Example

"Although the horse looks skittish, it is well-trained and does not panic easily in heavy traffic."

Strong
panic
startle
Weak
cower
quail

Opposites of frighten

The opposite of frighten shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

reassure
comfort
calm
lure
soothe
entice
encourage
embolden
See all opposites of frighten

• Nearby Words

frigatebird
frigging
fright
frighten
frightened
frightening
frighteningly

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Frighten. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/frighten
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.