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Definitions

scare

[skair] / skɛər /
NOUN
frightened state
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alarm panic shock
STRONG
alert fright start terror
Antonyms
STRONGEST
confidence security
WEAK
calmness comfort ease
VERB
frighten someone
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alarm awe daunt dismay intimidate paralyze petrify shock startle terrify terrorize
STRONG
affright chill freeze panic spook
WEAK
give a fright give a turn scare silly scare stiff scare the pants off shake up strike terror in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
assist assure calm comfort encourage expect help incite please soothe stimulate
STRONG
heat
WEAK
reassure

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.

Last year, England racked up four predictably one-sided wins, scoring 208 points and conceding just 27, before France gave them an almighty scare in an epic title decider.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Anthropic model scare sparks urgent Bessent, Powell warning to bank CEOs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

They were given an early scare when Carlos Vicente put Blues 1-0 up, but the hosts had turned the game around before half-time through goals from Ben Johnson and Kasey McAteer.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

While that bear market may scare off investors, CoinShares’ funds have held up well.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Next, I got on with the part to scare away the new people.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan