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Showing results for run scared. Search instead for runs scared.
Definitions

run scared

ADJECTIVE
afraid
Synonyms
STRONGEST
anxious apprehensive frightened nervous scared shocked suspicious timid
WEAK
abashed aghast alarmed aroused blanched cowardly cowed daunted discouraged disheartened dismayed distressed disturbed faint-hearted frozen have cold feet horrified in awe intimidated panic-stricken perplexed perturbed petrified rattled scared stiff scared to death spooked startled stunned terrified terror-stricken timorous trembling upset worried
Antonyms
STRONGEST
brave calm happy unafraid unworried
WEAK
bold composed cool courageous eager fearless heroic intrepid undaunted undismayed valiant venturesome
ADJECTIVE
panicky
Synonyms
STRONGEST
anxious apprehensive discouraged distressed fearful frightened horrified intimidated nervous perplexed perturbed scared shocked spooked startled timid
WEAK
abashed aghast alarmed aroused blanched cowardly cowed daunted disheartened dismayed disturbed faint-hearted fearsome frozen funky have cold feet in awe panic-stricken petrified rattled scared stiff scared to death stunned suspicious terrified terror-stricken timorous trembling upset worried
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bold brave calm comforted encouraged happy unafraid unfearful unworried
VERB
panic
Synonyms
STRONGEST
lose it overreact scare
STRONG
alarm clutch stampede startle terrify unnerve
WEAK
be terror-stricken become hysterical come apart freeze up go to pieces have a fit lose nerve push panic button shake in boots
Antonyms
STRONG
calm
WEAK
be calm be content
VERB
turn tail
Synonyms
WEAK
desert under fire make a U-turn retreat skedaddle turn around turn on a dime

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The party has run scared from nearly all justice issues ever since.

From Slate • Jan. 12, 2026

As for his predicament, Mr. Markey smiled and said, “You know the old saying: You either run scared or you run unopposed.”

From New York Times • Aug. 23, 2019

The players came to have fun, not run scared from the mighty program playing in its home state.

From Washington Post • Mar. 16, 2018

"I want us to run scared the whole time," Obama said at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee.

From US News • Jun. 3, 2016

There are lots of them," and he waved his arm in a wide half circle, "coming out of the East on the run, scared to death, and with more or less money in their pockets.

From The Bells of San Juan by Gregory, Jackson

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.