Find Synonyms

scare Synonyms

Another word for scare

Choosing another word for scare depends on context, so the 29 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To cause someone or an animal to feel sudden fear, alarm, or nervousness.

Usage Example

"Loud fireworks often frighten household pets and local wildlife."

Strongest
frighten
startle
terrify
spook
Strong
alarm
unnerve
freak out
intimidate
daunt
petrify

• noun (Context 2)

A sudden attack of fear or alarm caused by an unexpected event or perceived danger.

Usage Example

"The sudden power outage during the thunderstorm gave the children quite a fright."

Strongest
fright
shock
Strong
start
jolt
alarm
turn

• verb (Context 3)

To drive or keep someone or an animal away by frightening them (usually followed by an adverb or preposition such as 'off' or 'away').

Usage Example

"The farmer placed reflective tape in the orchard to frighten off the birds away from the ripe cherries."

Strongest
frighten off
frighten away
Strong
chase away
drive away
shoo
deter
repel

• noun (Context 4)

A period of widespread public anxiety, panic, or rumor regarding a particular threat or issue.

Usage Example

"A recent food contamination panic prompted supermarkets to recall several brands of spinach."

Strongest
panic
alarm
Strong
hysteria
flap
Weak
furor

• verb (Context 5)

To become frightened or alarmed (used intransitively).

Usage Example

"She is an experienced mountaineer who does not frighten easily in rough weather."

Strongest
frighten
Strong
panic
startle
spook
flinch
quail
Weak
cower

Opposites of scare

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

reassure
comfort
reassurance
calm
attract
soothe
lure
relief
See all opposites of scare

Cite this Entry


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